Title: Algeria Unveils Digital Warfare Strategy Amid Rising Tensions with France

Geopolitical Analysis of Algeria's Digital Warfare Strategy Announcement

Summary
This analysis examines the geopolitical implications of the speech delivered by Algerian Communication Minister Mohamed Meziane at the Higher War School on December 9, 2024. In a context of escalating tensions with France and the arrest of Algerian influencers on French soil, this intervention reveals a structured doctrine of information warfare and an explicit militarization of Algeria's media strategy.

Introduction
On December 9, 2024, within the symbolic walls of the Higher War School named after former President Ali Kafi, the Algerian Communication Minister unveiled what resembles a true doctrine of digital warfare. The timing of this intervention coincides with ongoing judicial actions in France against several Algerian influencers, marking the officialization of a militarized approach to information as a response to "challenges affecting the internal front."

The analysis of the speech, its context, and its implications reveals a sophisticated strategy that extends far beyond mere government communication policy. It outlines a genuine doctrine of information warfare, where controlling information becomes a matter of national security.

Militarization of Information Discourse
The very choice of venue—the Higher War School—reflects a deliberately martial approach to communication. The minister addresses not journalists or media professionals but senior military officers. This military framing of information policy indicates a view of information as a strategic weapon.

The rhetoric employed heavily borrows from military vocabulary: "internal front," "challenges," "threats," "defense." This militarization of language is intentional; it legitimizes increased control over the informational space by presenting it as an imperative of national security.

A Strategy for Total Control
The doctrine presented revolves around three main axes:

• Source Lockdown: The minister explicitly warns against "unofficial and suspicious sources," establishing a clear dichotomy between official (legitimate) information and alternative (suspect) sources. This approach aims to delegitimize any information source that escapes state control.
• Cyber Control: The mention of "localizing electronic sites" suggests a desire to territorialize the digital space. This strategy aims to subject the virtual realm to the constraints of traditional territorial control.
• Influencer Regulation: The explicit mention of "regulating influencers" reveals a direct response to events in France. The Algerian state appears determined to prevent independent voices capable of influencing public opinion outside its control.

Geopolitical Implications
This digital warfare doctrine fits into a broader context of Franco-Algerian tensions and shifts in power dynamics in the Mediterranean.

• In Franco-Algerian Relations: The announcement of this strategy, in light of influencer arrests in France, can be interpreted as a direct response to what Algeria perceives as French interference. It signals an escalation in the influence war between the two countries.
• Regionally: Algeria positions itself as a model for "digital sovereignty" in the Maghreb. This stance could influence other countries' digital strategies in the region, particularly regarding their relationships with social networks and influencers.
• Internationally: The doctrine presented aligns with a global trend toward militarizing cyberspace and information. It reflects a broader evolution where states seek to regain control over increasingly transnational information flows.

Underlying Issues
The analysis reveals several critical issues:

• Diaspora Concerns: Controlling influencers directly raises questions about the Algerian diaspora, which is particularly active on social media. How can the Algerian state claim control over actors operating outside its territory?
• Digital Sovereignty: The desire for "localization" of electronic sites raises complex technical and legal questions about territorializing an inherently transnational space.
• Control Effectiveness: In an interconnected world, can the total control strategy advocated by the minister truly be effective?

Prospects and Implications
This digital warfare doctrine signals several likely developments:

• Short-Term:
• Strengthening legislative frameworks regarding media.
• Establishing new surveillance structures.
• Increased pressure on independent influencers.
• Medium-Term:
• Development of national digital infrastructure.
• Enhanced cyber-surveillance capabilities.
• Possible creation of a "cyber-fighter" corps.

Conclusion
Minister Meziane's speech at the Higher War School marks a turning point in Algeria's informational strategy. It formalizes a militarized approach to information and heralds an era of increased control over digital space. This digital warfare doctrine, presented as defensive, reveals an underlying desire for total control over national and international narratives concerning Algeria.