ACTIVE MEASURE Meaning and
Definition
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Active measure refers to a covert operation or strategy undertaken by a government or organization to influence events, opinions, or policies of other nations, groups, or individuals. These measures are typically employed to achieve specific objectives, such as weakening opponents, gaining an advantage, or promoting one's own interests. Active measures can involve various tactics, including disinformation campaigns, propaganda dissemination, strategic leaks, cyber-attacks, sabotage, and covert support to certain groups.
The term "active measure" often connotes actions taken by intelligence agencies, special operations units, or state-sponsored entities to further their goals through non-conventional means. These measures are carried out clandestinely and aim to influence decision-making processes, public sentiment, or the balance of power in a targeted domain. Furthermore, active measures can be conducted through different channels, such as traditional media outlets, social media platforms, or direct contact with individuals or groups.
Active measures are typically associated with political and geopolitical contexts, where governments or organizations seek to shape narratives, affect public opinion, or manipulate events to their advantage. They can be employed on domestic or international levels, depending on the desired outcome. The effectiveness and impact of active measures can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the resources, expertise, and countermeasures deployed by the targets.
Due to the clandestine nature of active measures, they often operate in a covert or secretive manner, making attribution difficult. Identifying and responding to active measures usually requires vigilant monitoring, information analysis, and counterintelligence efforts.
Etymology of ACTIVE MEASURE
The term "active measure" doesn't have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words. However, understanding the etymology of each word can provide some insight.
1. Active: The word "active" originated from the Latin word "activus", which means "doing, working". It came into English in the late 14th century and refers to someone or something that is involved in action, movement, or exerting physical or mental effort.
2. Measure: The word "measure" comes from the Old French word "mesure", which itself originated from the Latin word "mensura", meaning "a measuring, a measurement". It entered the English language in the 13th century and refers to a specific quantity or extent used as a standard of measurement.
When combined, "active measure" typically refers to actions or strategies taken to achieve a specific goal or objective.
