American (Covert) Influence

 

For a long time, hostile digital influence campaigns were predominantly the prerogative of autocratic states. Russia, in particular, has been at the forefront of both executing such campaigns and developing new methodologies in the realm of hostile digital influence.

Recently, some Western democratic countries, such as France and the United States, have been attempting to catch up in this field, albeit arguably with less success. This effort to engage in digital influence campaigns presents unique risks for liberal democracies.

Liberal democracies inherently have more to lose by conducting such operations. Freedom of speech and the free exchange of opinions are cornerstones of any democratic society. When these societies engage in clandestine measures to distort natural discourse, they risk undermining these fundamental principles. By doing so, there is a valid argument to be made that they are eroding the very pillars on which they stand. This paradox raises critical ethical and strategic questions about balancing national security and preserving democratic values.

When it comes to influence defense teams of a country, this new reality brings up a unique set of challenges. Democracies across the world are under a constant barrage of attacks from autocratic countries.