DISINFORMATION TARGETING DEMOCRACY: VIOLENT EFFECTS OF RUSSIA’S ACTIVE MEASURES CAMPAIGNS IN FRANCE, GERMANY, AND THE UNITED STATES
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Authors
Kopilow, Melissa M.
Subjects
disinformation
democracy
active measures
active measures campaigns
France
Germany
United States
democracy
active measures
active measures campaigns
France
Germany
United States
Advisors
Jasper, Scott E.
Date of Issue
2022-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Russia has used active measures—economic, cyber, and disinformation efforts—to target democratic populations and polarize political opinions. This polarization erodes democratic political processes from within, achieving Russia’s goals to make Western democracy appear fragile when contrasted with the strength of Putin’s autocracy. The effects of active measures are difficult to quantify, but analysis of recent events in France, Germany, and the United States suggest that the Kremlin’s efforts have made an impact: some members of extreme movements use violence in support of goals that echo Russian disinformation. It can be demonstrated that Russian active measures targeting far-right extremists, and violent acts committed by some of those extremists—such as the insurrection on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021—can be correlated to the rise in far-right violence in France, Germany, and the United States, but causation cannot be demonstrated at this time.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.