Final answer:
Information warfare is a contemporary type of conflict that combines traditional and non-traditional tactics, including cyberwarfare and disinformation, to gain strategic advantages over adversaries.
It is part of the broader concept of hybrid warfare, which also incorporates traditional warfare elements and has been prominently seen in situations like the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Correct Option is; A violent struggle among state and nonstate actors for legitimacy and influence over the relevant population(s)
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Information Warfare?
Information warfare is a modern form of conflict that includes a combination of traditional military tactics and non-traditional methods such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the use of technologies like drones and advanced missile systems.
It is characterized by the use of cyberwarfare to disrupt or disable an adversary's information systems and infrastructure, often alongside more traditional forms of military engagement. Information warfare leverages the vast capabilities of the digital world to gain a strategic advantage, often involving hacking to steal intelligence or cause chaos through disrupting communications or spreading disinformation.
A prime example of information warfare is the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where cyberattacks and media disinformation are used as tactics to weaken defenses and influence the population.
Not limited to nation-states, nonstate actors also engage in this warfare type, aiming to undermine legitimacy and influence over populations. This form of warfare challenges traditional notions of conflict and represents a significant shift towards hybrid warfare, in which combat is multifaceted and extends into cyberspace and civilian domains.
The evolution of warfare into these new domains requires nations to develop and enhance defensive measures against the diverse and wide-reaching effects of such conflict.
As technology and tactics continue to advance, information warfare remains a key component of modern military strategy, with profound implications for global security and stability.