Latest Articles about Influence Operations
Russia Switches Sides in Sudan War
Executive Summary: The Kremlin has reconsidered its support for the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces, throwing more weight behind the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Transitional Sovereignty Council. The move serves to align Moscow’s position more closely with that of Iran, seeks to dampen the SAF’s... MORE
Russia’s War Against Ukraine Driving Evolution of Cyber Warfare
Executive Summary: The war in Ukraine is leading both Moscow and Kyiv to engage in increased cyberattacks that are destructive to both infrastructure and civilian lives from meddling with energy networks to manipulating people into committing violent acts. Ukraine has conducted a large-scale call center... MORE
Beijing Pushes Local Censorship to Protect PRC Companies in the Kyrgyz Republic
Executive Summary: Beijing pressures the Kyrgyz government to censor voices criticizing the People’s Republic of China (PRC), its companies, and its citizens within the Kyrgyz Republic. As PRC companies have expanded in country—particularly in the mining sector—extensive environmental damage has provoked local protests. Some cultural... MORE
Georgia’s Anaklia Port and PRC Infrastructure Strategy
Executive Summary: The acquisition of a 49 percent stake in a Georgian port by a state-backed consortium advances the PRC’s global port strategy—the PRC currently owns stakes in over 90 ports). As Xi Jinping has stated, “to become rich, one must first build ports.” A... MORE
PRC Influence via the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
Executive Summary: The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC; 中国人民对外友好协会) is one united front organization among thousands that, along with its affiliate organizations, continues to work with numerous local government officials and organizations across the United States. CPAFFC supports people-to-people diplomacy, public... MORE
Cognitive Domain Operations Against Vietnam Hint at Broader Ambitions
Executive Summary: Translation forms a crucial part of People’s Liberation Army (PLA)-directed research. This is done to support influence operations, enhance cooperation with the Russian military, and even understand US policy discussions on social media. Recent research from institutions such as the PLA Strategic Support... MORE
Kremlin Uses Russian and International Youth to Expand Influence and Fight in Ukraine
Executive Summary: The Kremlin is increasing efforts to work with foreign youth, journalists, and politicians through the federal agency Rossotrudnichestvo by offering training from leading Russian propagandists. Simultaneously, in Russia itself, raids on conscripts, illegal assignments to the front, and coercion to sign contracts with... MORE
The Untold Psychological War in Hong Kong: Gray Media’s Influence Operation on the Legislation of Article 23
Executive Summary: Analysis of five gray media outlets in Hong Kong during the consultation period for Article 23 legislation passed earlier this year, show how they echo governmental talking points and coordinate to produce collaborative content across popular social media channels. These outlets often present... MORE
Taiwan’s Reform Bills Indicate Volatility
Executive Summary: Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has returned inflammatory legislation to the Legislative Yuan over concerns that it violates democratic principles, procedural justice, and the country’s constitution. The legislation is also likely to face judicial challenges. Contentious provisions could force testimony by military officials and others... MORE
Religious Life On the Rise in Ukraine, With Enormous Consequences for Kyiv and Moscow
Executive Summary: Since February 2022, the number of parishes and other religious institutions in Ukraine has risen by almost 10 percent, with most growth occurring in Catholic and Protestant denominations. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has lost more than 1,000 parishes and... MORE