Question 1525 : The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures
the essence of the passage.
Different from individuals, states conduct warfare operations using the DIME model— “diplomacy,
information, military, and economics.” Most states do everything they can to inflict pain and confusion on
their enemies before deploying the military. In fact, attacks on vectors of information are a well-worn tactic
of war and usually are the first target when the charge begins. It’s common for telecom data and
communications networks to be routinely monitored by governments, which is why the open data policies of
the web are so concerning to many advocates of privacy and human rights. With the worldwide adoption of
social media, more governments are getting involved in low-grade information warfare through the use of
cyber troops. According to a study by the Oxford Internet Institute in 2020, cyber troops are “government or
political party actors tasked with manipulating public opinion online.” The Oxford research group was able to
identify 81 countries with active cyber troop operations, utilizing many different strategies to spread false
information, including spending millions on online advertising.
the essence of the passage.
Different from individuals, states conduct warfare operations using the DIME model— “diplomacy,
information, military, and economics.” Most states do everything they can to inflict pain and confusion on
their enemies before deploying the military. In fact, attacks on vectors of information are a well-worn tactic
of war and usually are the first target when the charge begins. It’s common for telecom data and
communications networks to be routinely monitored by governments, which is why the open data policies of
the web are so concerning to many advocates of privacy and human rights. With the worldwide adoption of
social media, more governments are getting involved in low-grade information warfare through the use of
cyber troops. According to a study by the Oxford Internet Institute in 2020, cyber troops are “government or
political party actors tasked with manipulating public opinion online.” The Oxford research group was able to
identify 81 countries with active cyber troop operations, utilizing many different strategies to spread false
information, including spending millions on online advertising.
Video Explanation
Explanatory Answer
The passage starts by explaining how states use the DIME model in warfare, often targeting information
systems first to destabilize enemies. Governments monitor communication networks, raising privacy concerns.
With social media's rise, many countries employ "cyber troops" to manipulate public opinion online, spreading
disinformation through tactics like paid ads. Option D best captures all these points.
Option A: This option incorrectly focuses on open data policies being used to deploy cyber troops, which the
passage does not emphasize.
Option B: This option fails to address the key part of the passage, which is monitoring telecom data and
networks.
Option C: The passage does not indicate that governments conduct warfare simultaneously with military
forces; rather, they act before involving the military. We can infer this from the statement, "Most states do
everything they can to inflict pain and confusion on their enemies before deploying the military