Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, which can significantly affect decision-making processes in various fields, including cyber threat hunting and cyber influence operations. This series will explore key cognitive biases, their implications, and real-world examples relevant to both South Africa and a global audience. What is Cognitive Bias? […]

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Introduction Iran and South Africa’s defense cooperation is often framed within the context of addressing specific security threats that both nations face. By collaborating militarily, they claim to enhance their capabilities to tackle these challenges, which they argue are critical for their national security and regional stability. Iran’s Perspective on Security Threats 1.  Countering Western […]

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Introduction Iran and South Africa have developed a defense cooperation framework that has raised eyebrows in the international community, particularly given Iran’s controversial role in supporting extremist groups and its nuclear ambitions. Both countries justify this partnership through various narratives that emphasize mutual benefits, shared interests, and geopolitical realities. Iran’s Justifications 1.  Sovereignty and Self-Defense:– […]

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Introduction The defense cooperation between Iran and South Africa has raised concerns among neighboring countries, particularly in the context of regional security dynamics. As Iran continues to support extremist groups and engage in cyber-enabled influence operations, the implications of its partnership with South Africa are closely monitored by other nations in the region. Concerns from […]

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Introduction The defense cooperation between Iran and South Africa has implications for regional security, particularly in the context of Iran’s broader strategy to support extremist groups and counter Israeli influence in the Middle East. This partnership, while not extensively documented, encompasses various forms of military collaboration and political alignment that can destabilize the region. Key […]

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Introduction The military cooperation between Iran and South Africa has evolved over the years, reflecting both countries’ strategic interests in regional and global contexts. While specific military cooperation agreements are often not publicly detailed, several areas of collaboration can be identified, particularly in the context of defense and security.Key Areas of Cooperation 1.  Defense Industry […]

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Iran’s Support for Extremist Groups and Its Influence on Recruitment in Africa Introduction Iran’s involvement in supporting extremist groups in the Middle East, particularly as a counter to Israel, has significant implications for regional stability and international relations. This support often extends to cyber-enabled influence operations, which have been increasingly sophisticated and targeted. The dynamics […]

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The Impact of ISIS’s Use of Social Media on Recruitment in Africa, with a Focus on South Africa Introduction The rise of ISIS has been marked by its innovative use of social media as a tool for recruitment and influence. This phenomenon has extended to various regions, including Africa, where the group has sought to […]

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Successful ISIS Influence Operations: Key Examples ISIS has demonstrated a remarkable ability to conduct influence operations that have significantly impacted public perception, recruitment, and the broader geopolitical landscape. Here are some notable examples of successful ISIS influence operations: 1. Social Media Campaigns ISIS effectively utilized social media platforms to disseminate propaganda and recruit fighters globally. […]

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 ISIS Influence Operations: An Analysis The influence operations conducted by ISIS have evolved significantly over the years, leveraging modern technology and social media to propagate their ideology, recruit followers, and destabilize regions. This paper explores the strategies employed by ISIS in their influence operations, drawing parallels with recent cyber activities observed in other conflicts, particularly […]

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