This time around, the US has seized a network of Russian-run internet domains, and sanctioned ten people including Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT (formerly Russia Today), for “activities that aim to deteriorate public trust in our institutions”. Sanctions include freezing any property or assets in the US, and potentially restrictions on any US citizen or company that works with them.
Here are five key features of Russian information manipulation we identified, and which can help understand the latest election-meddling scandal.
- Using local influencers
- Fake news outlets
- Adding fuel to the fire
- Flipping the script
- Humour
Dear reader,
I am writing to you today to remind you of how Russia intends on manipulating the election. Russia’s not the only one, but Russia’s got a vested interest in influencing our election.
Come next January, one of two people will take the Oath of Office. One of them is a neoliberal squishy centre-left politician with a history of saying anything to get elected, but taking the moderate approach. The other…is an Authoritarian shithead with a band of utter and complete assholes behind him that plan on grinding anyone and everyone that disagrees with them by any degree under a jackboot heel. And the Russians have a clear choice in this.
They want the guy who will let them take over Ukraine without interfering.
They like the guy that has the same opinions on gays and transgendered people that they do – something to be crushed and oppressed.
They want the guy who will tear down our alliances with other countries over money.
They want us to become isolated and withdraw from world affairs.
And they are willing to do anything necessary to make that happen.
And they have been caught in the act making that guy more likely to win.
The article lists 5 key ways by which they influence our elections. The one I want to focus the most on is the third one. “Adding fuel to the fire.” Here, we see their goal of amplifying our divisions. They definitely target the Right for this, making Conservatives beyond angry about LGBTQ issues, but they go beyond that to target divisions on the Left. One key way they do this is by convincing left-wing voters that their candidates aren’t ‘pure’ enough and thus they should stay home. And they do this by creating fake news outlets and leveraging mouthpieces here in the USA.
So, consider this when you see the 13th article in a day by a divisive personality here pushing the meme that you should vote third party or stay home because the Democrat isn’t liberal enough for them. While I will not, and indeed cannot directly call out any of these personalities as being part of the Russian Disinformation Operation due to the Civility Rule (and the fact that they may just be True Believers ™ in really stupid ideas), I can with certainty say that the Russians are trying to manipulate you out of your vote. Consider that as you read each of the articles these people are posting.
Tried to circumvent the civility rule by with vague terminology is just as uncivil and will be reported as such.
Well said. Even if someone is not directed by (or a member of) propaganda efforts, they should be wary that their message does not align with those efforts.
Of course diverse opinions are welcome, but incremental positive change often requires unity around a centrist candidate leaning your way. The left side of the spectrum definitely has more friction here, as they are usually thoughtful, independent people with a wider exposure to ideas.
Out of all the types of American political voters that exist (as defined and studied by Pew), the progressive left has the highest voting rate of any group. Including ‘Faith and Flag Conservatives.’
If you’re super worried about criticism from someone further left than you killing support for your candidate, it’s not because leftists don’t show up to vote.
‘Transgendered’ is best left in the 2000s btw.
Well said!