Final answer:
Psychological warfare tactics have evolved from Genghis Khan's deceptive battlefield maneuvers to World War II propaganda and now to modern hybrid warfare involving technology, with its global reach and complex strategies aiming to unsettle both military and civilian populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tactics of psychological warfare have been utilized by military leaders across different eras, from Genghis Khan's Mongol hordes to modern-day military forces. Genghis Khan's tactics included feigning defeat, ambushes, night assaults, and the use of fires to give the illusion of a larger army, all to strike terror in the hearts of enemies. During World War II, psychological tactics involved the use of propaganda to undermine enemy morale, and claiming an inexhaustible and invincible military force. In contrast, modern-day psychological warfare utilizes hybrid warfare, which combines conventional warfare, irregular warfare, and cyber warfare, aiming to destabilize societies and create a sense of insecurity and fear, often targeting both military forces and civilian populations.
While the fundamental goal of psychological warfare remains the same—to break the enemy's will to fight—the methods have evolved significantly. Genghis Khan's tactics were based on direct and deceptive combat maneuvers, whereas World War II leaned more towards mass media propaganda. Today's tactics incorporate advanced technology and intelligence operations, reaching a global scale of influence. Furthermore, the ethical considerations and rules of engagement have changed, reflecting the impact on civilian populations and international laws on warfare.