PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF INFORMATIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONFRONTATION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE COLLECTIVE WEST
Purpose of the study. The article is devoted to the study of the significance of psychological operations in the information space against the background of the confrontation between NATO and Russia. The research methodology is based on the concepts of materialistic dialectics, «fluid modernity» by Z. Bauman, the civilizational war between America and Russia, the «authentic - fake» dichotomy. Also used are methods of comparative analysis, hypothetical modeling of combining a virtual observer with extended, slowed down temporal scales regarding the life world of living beings, P. Virillo's model of the power of speed, as well as the concepts of psychological operations (PsyO) and psi-war. Results. It is shown that the peculiarities of the use of NATO psychological operations in the information space are due to a number of factors such as the artificial formation of a negative image of Russia with the help of various Internet technologies; the functioning of the global information space, which allows NATO to use «soft power» against Russia, which is «increasing the influence of individuals» through the Internet and social media, social networks that enable the collective exchange of information; Americans' confidence in the information supplied by the CIA and other special services, which determines the deterioration of American attitudes towards Russia; In the information and psychological confrontation between the United States (NATO) and Russia, the recommendations of «think tanks» that perform the functions of the mass media are gaining momentum. The strategic goal of the psychological operations of NATO (America) is to change power in Russia and destroy the fundamental principles of Russian politics, which requires the implementation of a complex of various countermeasures, especially the use of a «virtual observer» that allows you to move from one «tempoworld» to another in both directions « up and down», so that you can «see» not on your own scale of the event, but on another one, getting a different picture of events, as well as applying P. Virilio's model of the power of speed, which allows you to preempt the actions of the enemy. Research prospects. The results obtained can be used in a set of information and psychological operations against the actions of NATO and its allies and in ensuring Russia's security.