Introduction
In addressing modern and future security challenges, with special emphasis on hybrid threats, the search for recognition of unknown unknowns emerges as a possible model to effectively confront them. In this context, accurate information gathering and knowledge production are critical as basic tools for comprehensive help to improve defence capabilities. In many cases a hybrid attacker has support from their national intelligence community during influence and/or cognitive operations. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse the connection between the activity of the opponent’s intelligence community, the process of creating our own intelligence with collected and existing information and the knowledge created, to combat modern and future security challenges.
This paper analyses the sustainability of the Rumsfeld matrix (RM) of knowledge in the emergence of (dis)information, its effects on the (a) creation of useful and necessary knowledge; (b) the creation of useful intelligence; (c) the acquisition of wisdom for the decision-making process. It demonstrates that RM in its current form cannot, and should not, be used as a theoretical basis for planning activities aimed at creating new knowledge and making decisions based on truth. RM should be reconsidered regarding its foundational theoretical principles, and later expanded into a three-dimensional model that can better explain the interdependence of the process of collection, processing and distribution of data and information, and the creation of knowledge and intelligence. Namely, if errors (such as disinformation and deficiencies in human cognitive abilities and experience) enter into this process at any stage and in any segment of collection and transformation, harmful consequences result from making and applying harmful decisions. In this context, creating and strengthening the defence capabilities of society and the state concerning modern and future security threats, particularly those seeking to shape the information environment (in a harmful and malicious way) is necessary. One of the key activities in the process of strengthening defence capabilities is the creation, and implementation of quality educational programs, with an emphasis on intelligence studies.
