The Government Services Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (GSACEP) has released a new podcast episode examining how narrative warfare is influencing modern conflict and why understanding it is increasingly important for military and healthcare professionals. The episode features an interview by Homeland Security Today Editorial Board member Capt. Matthew Turner with Dr. Ajit Maan, Chair of HSToday’s Narrative Strategy Vertical.
Maan explains that narrative warfare goes beyond information warfare by focusing on how audiences assign meaning to information rather than the information itself. She argues that adversaries seek to shape perception before facts are processed, making narratives a powerful strategic tool in both state and non-state conflicts.
The discussion explores how cultural narratives influence the way people interpret events and how extremist groups use identity, grievance, and storytelling to recruit followers. Maan also examines the role of narratives in public health messaging and domestic extremism, encouraging professionals to recognize the language and behavioral patterns associated with groups such as the online violent extremist network 764 and sovereign citizen movements.
The episode highlights the growing importance of narrative awareness across homeland security, emergency management, healthcare, and military operations, emphasizing that understanding how meaning is shaped can strengthen resilience against extremist influence and disinformation.
Listen to the episode on Spotify below and learn more about it here.
