Strategic narratives as an image war tool

Abstract

In contemporary conflicts, battles are fought not only on the ground but also in the realm of perceptions. This paper examines the intersection between the concepts of strategic narratives and the image war, arguing that both serve as crucial tools for political actors seeking legitimacy, empathy, and support in the international arena. By integrating these two conceptual frameworks, the study highlights how political actors employ narratives to construct meaning, justify actions, and influence global audiences during times of war, while using the Ukrainian narrative during the 2022 Russian invasion and Israel’s narrative during the 2023–2025 war with Hamas as case studies. As the struggle over perceptions has become a defining feature of modern warfare in the digital age, political actors will need to continue developing tools to better confront these reputational challenges.