CDS General Anil Chauhan Warns of Global Slide, Drawing Parallels to Pre-World War II Era
In a stark warning about the current global landscape, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has stated that the world today closely resembles the uncertain and volatile conditions witnessed before the outbreak of the Second World War. He emphasized that the traditional boundaries between war and peace have become increasingly blurred, creating a precarious international environment.
Modern Warfare Transformed by Technology and Information
General Chauhan highlighted that contemporary conflicts are no longer confined to conventional battlefields. Instead, they are increasingly shaped by advanced technology, data manipulation, narrative control, and economic pressures. According to the CDS, future wars will be determined not by sheer numerical superiority but by technological dominance and the ability to adapt swiftly to evolving scenarios.
The Rising Threat of Cognitive Colonialism
The CDS flagged a growing and insidious threat known as cognitive colonialism, where societies are systematically manipulated through digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated information control mechanisms. This form of influence aims to subvert national mindsets and undermine independent thought, posing a significant challenge to global stability.
India's Path to Strategic Independence
General Chauhan cautioned India against blindly adopting Western military doctrines and weapon systems, arguing that such predictability can eliminate the element of strategic surprise. He invoked the legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, stating that true freedom extends beyond political independence to include liberating the national mindset from dependency and intellectual subservience.
As global tensions continue to escalate, the CDS underscored that India's capacity for independent thinking, strategic innovation, and resilience against psychological manipulation will be just as crucial as its conventional military strength in navigating the complex challenges ahead.
