Latest Articles about Influence Operations

Murky Media Network Aligns with Beijing on Sensitive Issues

Executive Summary: The online media website Beijing Times publishes stories on topics the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) deems sensitive and aligns with the CCP’s preferred narrative. These stories are interspersed with neutral coverage of international affairs, providing credibility to increase the publication’s audience. The publication’s... MORE

Hong Kong’s New Strategic Role After the Third Plenum

Executive Summary: Key officials visited the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in late August to explain the city’s political, economic, cultural, and security responsibilities. They signaled deeper integration with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) mainland while leveraging its unique international position. Hong Kong... MORE

Kyiv Set to Expand Support for Non-Russians in Russia

Executive Summary: Since Russian President Vladimir Putin seized Crimea in 2014 and even more since he launched his expanded invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kyiv has sought to develop ties with non-Russian groups in Russia on the principle that “the enemy of my enemy is... MORE

Türkiye Expands Military and Cultural Influence in Central Asia

Executive Summary: Türkiye is capitalizing on the geopolitical crisis in Eurasia and some post-Soviet states to expand influence through cooperation with Central Asian governments in the form of increased diplomatic involvement and cultural integration. Ankara is also expanding its integration with Central Asian military economies,... MORE

Moscow Increases Cossack Presence in Occupied Territories

Executive Summary: Russian State Duma Deputy Viktor Vodolatsky, former ataman of the Don Cossacks, gave an interview on May 14 discussing plans to open new state-registered Cossack societies in the occupied territories of Ukraine, highlighting the Cossacks’ role in the Kremlin’s consolidation of control over... MORE

China Increasing Its Military Presence in Tajikistan

Executive Summary: Reports show that China is building a “secret” military base in Tajikistan. Both Dushanbe and Beijing deny the reports, though China has been covertly expanding its military footprint in Tajikistan for over a decade. Some of the expansion has occurred in coordination with... MORE