National Defense Lab’s Board of Directors Director of Strategic Initiatives, Brad Nietfeldt, recently appeared as a guest on the Irregular Republic podcast hosted by GBNT, where the discussion focused on one of the most pressing challenges of the modern era: cognitive warfare and the defense of the individual mind in an increasingly manipulated information environment.
During the episode, Nietfeldt provided a grounded and accessible perspective on how irregular warfare has evolved beyond traditional kinetic conflict into a domain centered on perception, narrative shaping, and behavioral influence. Drawing on both private-sector experience and his work in NDL’s venture initiatives, he emphasized that modern conflict increasingly targets the civilian population directly through information systems rather than through physical force.
The conversation explored how individuals unknowingly operate within algorithmically curated environments that reinforce belief systems, amplify emotional responses, and shape decision-making at scale. Nietfeldt framed this as a systemic shift from visible warfare to invisible influence, where narratives, not weapons, define outcomes.
A key focus of the discussion was the importance of developing internal discipline when consuming information. Rather than defaulting to belief or rejection, Nietfeldt introduced a simple but powerful mental model rooted in discernment, beginning with a single concept: “maybe.” This approach encourages individuals to pause, analyze, and evaluate incoming information before forming conclusions.
The episode also highlighted NDL’s ongoing work through projects such as Continue readingRelated intelligence