Election Propaganda: Part 2: Modern propaganda efforts.
Oct 9, 2024
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Nina Jankowicz, Co-Founder and CEO of the American Sunlight Project and author of "How to Lose the Information War," joins Scott Small, Director of Cyber Threat Intelligence at Tidal Cyber, and Renee DiResta, former Technical Research Manager at Stanford's Internet Observatory. They dive into the nuances of modern election propaganda, exploring tactics used by nation-states like Russia to sow discord. They discuss the implications of disinformation campaigns on elections, the importance of recognizing these dynamics, and strategies for safeguarding electoral integrity.
The podcast emphasizes the critical role social media platforms play in amplifying divisive propaganda, driven by revenue generation from user engagement.
It highlights the contemporary use of election-related propaganda by global leaders, exemplifying its potential to disrupt democratic processes and public perception.
Deep dives
Impact of Social Media Propaganda
Social media platforms play a significant role in the spread of propaganda, creating a complex ecosystem that fuels public engagement and revenue generation. The podcast highlights a system consisting of five interconnected elements—platform, algorithm, influencers, crowd, and media—that together amplify divisive content. For instance, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube collectively generated nearly $162 billion in revenue in 2024, highlighting the economic incentive behind maintaining user engagement through provocative content. Understanding these dynamics is essential for citizens to navigate and resist the influence of propaganda that seeks to incite outrage and engagement.
Recent Examples of Election Propaganda
The podcast provides contemporary examples of election-related propaganda, showcasing how global leaders manipulate public perception for political gain. It discusses the Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro's claims of election fraud following his 2022 defeat, which stoked protests that led to significant violence and damage. Similarly, Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, used propaganda to bolster support for his controversial election win. These instances illustrate how election propaganda is not a relic of the past but a present-day issue that poses risks to democratic processes worldwide.
The Role of Nation-State Actors
The influence of nation-state actors in election interference is a significant concern, as highlighted by the podcast's exploration of Russia's operations. Russia's history of using disinformation tactics to sway public opinion in the U.S. and other countries became evident with strategic campaigns that aimed to deepen societal divides and distract from international actions. This manipulation not only influences political outcomes but also allows Russia to maintain its global standing through the created chaos. The ongoing efforts by countries like China, Iran, and North Korea also emphasize the need for vigilance against state-sponsored disinformation campaigns.
Strategies for Public Resilience
To combat the influence of propaganda, citizens are encouraged to adopt specific strategies aimed at discerning information and reducing their susceptibility to emotional manipulation. The SIFT method—stop, investigate the source, find other coverage, and trace claims—serves as a practical guide for evaluating the credibility of information encountered online. By being proactive in their media consumption and avoiding the amplification of divisive content, individuals can mitigate the effectiveness of propaganda machines. Ultimately, empowering citizens with the tools and knowledge to navigate the information landscape is vital in maintaining a healthy democratic discourse.
In preparation for the US 2024 Presidential Election, Rick Howard, N2K CyberWire’s Chief Analyst and Senior Fellow, discusses recent international propaganda efforts in the form of nation state interference and influence operations as well as domestic campaigns designed to split the target country into opposing camps. Guests include Nina Jankowicz, Co-Founder and CEO of the The American Sunlight Project and Scott Small, Director of Cyber Threat Intelligence at Tidal Cyber.
Check out Part 1!
Make sure to check out Election Propaganda Part 1: How Does Election Propaganda Work? In this episode, Rick Howard, N2K CyberWire’s Chief Analyst and Senior Fellow, discusses personal defensive measures that every citizen can take—regardless of political philosophy—to resist the influence of propaganda. This foundational episode is essential for understanding how to navigate the complex landscape of election messaging.