On-campus & remote (online) learning available. Students participate in interactive, real-time classes. 2026 class dates: Nov 10,17,24 & Dec 1,8,15
This course examines an evolving challenge for national security policymakers: the use of propaganda, and information operations to influence political behavior, public opinion and strategic decision-making. Drawing on interdisciplinary research, the course develops a theory of narrative influence and provides students with the conceptual and empirical knowledge to make informed, policy-focused assessments of risk and threats in the information domain. Course content will be informed by current events, emerging technologies and contemporary case studies, including the use of information operations in statecraft, disinformation, and domestic extremism. An information war-game will provide students with an opportunity to apply conceptual frameworks to a simulated information conflict, developing practical skills in analyzing, responding to and conducting influence operations. The course will also draw on the experience of policy practitioners working on propaganda and information operations, providing insights into the challenges of addressing these issues in an Australian national security context.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyze and evaluate theories and concepts of propaganda, influence, and information warfare, including their application to contemporary national security challenges
- Critically analyze contemporary information operations to identify relevant actors, audiences, narratives, techniques, intended effects and potential consequences for national security
- Apply theories and concepts of information warfare and narrative influence to analyze complex scenarios and develop and assess potential responses
- Develop and justify evidence-based strategic communication and counter-influence strategies that respond to complex national security challenges, drawing on relevant theory, contemporary cases and independent research.
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness, limitations, and risks of information operations.
Other Information
Course convener Dr Michael Cohen, teaching convener Pascale Taplin pascale.taplin@anu.edu.au
In-person attendance to the session featuring the war game is highly recommended.
This course addresses topics and material that some students may find confronting, disturbing or offensive.
Indicative Assessment
- Quiz (15 question in three parts) 500 words (20) [LO 1,2]
- Disinformation Report (1000 words) (30) [LO 1,2]
- Participation (10) [LO 3]
- War game debrief and reflection report (1250) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The standard workload is 65 hours total including 18 hours class time and additional independent study.
Inherent Requirements
N/A
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts, but there will be required readings each week except week 6.
Preliminary Reading
General.
Tatham, Steve. Information Operations; Facts Fakes Conspiracists. Howgate Publishing Limited, 2024
Rid, Thomas. Active measures: The secret history of disinformation and political warfare. Profile Books, 2020
1.
Catherine A. Theohary, Information Warfare: Issues for Congress, Reports R45142, CRS Product (Library of Congress, 2018)
Bebber, Robert (2024) “Executive Summary Cognitive Competition, Conflict, and War: An Ontological Approach. In https://www.hudson.org/defense-strategy/cognitive-competition-conflict-war-ontological-approach-robert-jake-bebber
2.
Tatham, Steve. “Understanding Audiences” and “It’s all about Psychology” Chapters 5 and 9 in Information Operations; Facts Fakes Conspiracists. (2024)
"Understand Mass Influence: Three Case Studies of Contemporary Mass Influence Platforms and Campaigns," Produced for Department of Defence by The University of Adelaide, 2021
Daria Impiombato et al., Persuasive Technologies in China: Implications for the Future of National Security, Policy Breif (ASPI Australian Strategic Policy Institute, 2024), https://www.aspi.org.au/report/persuasive-technologies-china-implications-future-national-security/
3.
General Angus Campbell, Address to the 2023 ASPI Conference - Disruption and Deterrence, 14 September 2023
Director General’s Threat Assessment (2026)
4.
Nic Newman with Amy Ross Arguedas, Craig T. Robertson, Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, and Richard Fletcher “AUSTRALIA” in Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2025 Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
Basit, Abdul. “Conspiracy Theories and Violent Extremism: Similarities, Differences and the Implications.,” Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses 13, no. 3 (June 2021): 1–9
See further NSPO8045 2026 wattle site
Assumed Knowledge
Nil
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 3 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 3.00 | 0.06250 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $2520 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $3600 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Spring Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 9627 | 16 Nov 2027 | TBA | TBA | 17 Dec 2027 | In Person | N/A |
| Online | ||||||
| 9628 | 16 Nov 2027 | TBA | TBA | 17 Dec 2027 | Online | N/A |