Generolo Jono Žemaičio Lietuvos karo akademija

This paper analyses the cognitive vulnerabilities of the Slovak information environment and identifies mechanisms through which adversarial actors exploit societal fractures to undermine national strategic resilience. The research employs a theoretical-empirical analysis, integrating NATO doctrinal frameworks with psychological concepts and current sociological data on public trust in Slovakia. The findings reveal significant cognitive lability regarding strategic alignment and demonstrate how horizontal mistrust facilitates strategic paralysis. Based on these findings, the authors identify the process of the Preparation of the Population for State Defence as one of the strategic tools for building cognitive resilience. The study provides an original synthesis of cognitive warfare theory and empirical facts, establishing cognitive sovereignty as a cornerstone of modern national security.

Contemporary conflicts increasingly involve strategic competition conducted outside physical confrontation, where persistent contest within the information environment seeks to influence cognitive processes. This paper examines the role of psychological care, as a component of military medical support, in strengthening the resilience of professional soldiers. A qualitative approach combining doctrinal and policy analysis, comparative review, and conceptual synthesis were applied. The findings identify mental health as a foundational element of cognitive resilience and highlight a doctrinal shift toward preventive, resilience-oriented psychological care. The institutionalization of this approach within the Slovak Armed Forces demonstrates its relevance for sustaining operational readiness in cognitively contested environments.