What does the physical dimension of the information environment encompass?

The physical dimension of the information environment encompasses communication systems and infrastructures because it focuses on the tangible aspects that facilitate communication and information dissemination. This includes hardware such as satellites, fiber optics, servers, and any other physical tools and networks that enable the transfer and sharing of information. Understanding this aspect is crucial, as the effectiveness of information operations and the management of data heavily rely on robust and secure communication infrastructures.

While other elements like cyber warfare capabilities, social media influence, and psychological operations are indeed important in the broader context of information warfare, they represent different dimensions of the information environment. Cyber warfare capabilities involve the use of digital attacks or defenses, which relate more to cyber capabilities than to the physical structures that support information flow. Similarly, social media influence pertains to the cognitive and behavioral effects of information on audiences rather than the physical means of communication. Psychological operations focus on influencing perceptions and behaviors, involving strategies and tactics that utilize information but do not directly address the underlying communication systems.