# Reflexive Control **Domain:** Decision theory / Information operations **Doc Type:** Developed Concept Node **Maturity:** Developed **Collection:** [[collections/Gamification|Gamification Collection]] ## Definition **Reflexive control** is a body of Russian strategic thought concerning the transmission of information to an opponent so that the opponent voluntarily chooses a course of action favorable to the initiator. It operates by shaping the premises, perceptions, expectations, or decision model from which the target acts. ## Significance The concept is game-theoretic because the desired output is an opponent's choice. Unlike simple command, reflexive control works through the target's own reasoning and can exploit doctrine, values, risk thresholds, or anticipated reactions. Claims of reflexive control are easy to overstate after the fact. A target's bad decision does not itself prove successful manipulation. Evidence should distinguish documented doctrine, plausible mechanism, observed information exposure, and demonstrated causal effect. ## Sources - Timothy L. Thomas, [Russia's Reflexive Control Theory and the Military](https://www.rit.edu/~w-cmmc/literature/Thomas_2004.pdf), *Journal of Slavic Military Studies* - NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, [Russian information operations](https://stratcomcoe.org/publications) ## Routes [[wiki/Maskirovka|Maskirovka]] · [[wiki/Perception Management|Perception Management]] · [[wiki/Thomas Schelling|Thomas Schelling]] · [[wiki/Partially Observable Stochastic Game|Partially Observable Stochastic Game]]