Information Operations

The most successful element of Russia’s 2016 influence campaign pertaining to the presidential election was not getting Donald Trump elected — it was convincing the American people that Russian influence efforts are a partisan issue. Ever since then, analysts attempting to make objective assertions about the ways Russian influence efforts can affect the American public […]

“Actions are dictated by decisions, decisions are based on perceptions, and perceptions are subject to manipulation. That is the basis of the Perception Wars.” Alex Hollings’ Perception Wars describes how foreign governments are trying to shape American public opinion by manipulating their perceptions. Hollings singles out Russia and China and their ongoing information operations (IO) on […]

Many people tend to think of Russian influence campaigns as overt forms of messaging that are easily discerned by the well-informed audience. The truth of the matter is, however, Russian influence comes in many forms — and most often, from Americans themselves that share narratives that are in keeping with their own sense of political […]

In the past month, Russia’s long-range nuclear bombers, alongside some of their most capable fighters, have made two flights through Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone. In both instances, America’s most capable fighters, F-22 Raptors, were scrambled to intercept, ensuring the Russian aircraft wouldn’t have the opportunity to enter American airspace even if they had intended […]

Bashar al Assad’s Syrian regime, bolstered by Russian and Iranian forces, is currently preparing to mount an offensive against Idlib, the last remaining major rebel stronghold in the nation, prompting a series of statements and warnings from U.S. officials, and perhaps most telling, a slurry of Russian propaganda efforts aiming to frame the impending battle […]

It pays to remember that propaganda is nothing more than government sector marketing, and as such, you’ll often find many of the same tactics employed by fast food and soft drink commercials in use through international level perception management campaigns. Some nations, like China, invest heavily into America’s entertainment sector and use their own regulations […]

There have been a number of debates raging within the United States about the effort and efficacy of Russian attempts to exert influence over the 2016 presidential election. President Trump, himself a controversial figure regardless of accusations of Russian collusion, has been at the center of the discussion throughout — with his opposition arguing that […]

Having a passion for books and an eight-month-old baby that’s feverishly growing a mouthful of teeth makes for some difficult evenings. You think she’s finally drifted off to sleep for the night and you make your way into your office with firm intent. I’m going to spend an hour reading before I get back to […]

Greece has expelled two Russian diplomats and barred two more from entry. This comes as an answer to Russian meddling in the negotiations of the surrounding the Macedonian naming dispute. The result of the negotiations that the region will be recognized as Northern Macedonia, and Greece will lift its veto for the neighboring country’s accession to the […]

The digital age has, in many ways, been a revolution in narrative management and the transmission of propaganda, but the fundamental elements of managing perceptions both domestically and internationally have existed as long as there have been nations to exercise the effort. While some dismiss the effect of information and disinformation operations on the global […]

In one of the first stops on a major visit with European allies, Secretary of Defense James Mattis praised U.S.-Finnish ties and Finland’s president for spearheading a response to Russian “hybrid warfare.” “With this center, Finland has created an institution fit for our time, and I thank you, Mr. President, for your foresight.” Mattis said […]

A prominent North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea last year appeared before the House Foreign Affairs committee Wednesday, offering a rare public testimony to what life is like for the elite upper class in the closed-off regime of Kim Jong un. Citing his desire to keep his sons safe and free, Thae Yong-ho […]