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Overt and Covert Options to Combat Russian Disinformation

Hank Mitchell

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Published in Striking Back: Overt And Covert Options To Combat Russian Disinformation

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Striking Back: Overt and Covert Options to Combat Russian Disinformation

by James Mueller

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Russian disinformation is a serious threat to the United States and its allies. The United States has a variety of overt and covert options to combat Russian disinformation. These options include public diplomacy, sanctions, covert action, and military action.

Public Diplomacy

Public diplomacy is a non-military form of engagement that seeks to build relationships with foreign publics and promote U.S. interests. Public diplomacy can be used to counter Russian disinformation by providing accurate information about the United States and its policies. This can be done through a variety of channels, such as social media, traditional media, and educational exchanges.

For example, the United States Department of State's Global Engagement Center (GEC) works to counter Russian disinformation by providing accurate information about U.S. foreign policy and values. The GEC also works to build relationships with foreign media outlets and civil society organizations.

Sanctions

Sanctions are economic or financial measures that are imposed on a country or individual. Sanctions can be used to punish Russia for its disinformation activities and to deter it from continuing these activities. Sanctions can also be used to target specific individuals or entities that are involved in Russian disinformation.

For example, the United States has imposed sanctions on Russian government officials, intelligence officers, and media outlets that are involved in disinformation activities. These sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, and visa restrictions.

Covert Action

Covert action is a type of clandestine operation that is carried out by a government to achieve a specific foreign policy objective. Covert action can be used to combat Russian disinformation by disrupting Russian disinformation networks, discrediting Russian disinformation agents, and providing support to anti-disinformation efforts in other countries.

For example, the United States has reportedly used covert action to hack into Russian disinformation networks and leak sensitive information. The United States has also reportedly used covert action to support anti-disinformation efforts in Ukraine and other countries.

Military Action

Military action is the most extreme option for combating Russian disinformation. Military action could be used to target Russian disinformation infrastructure, such as propaganda outlets and social media accounts. Military action could also be used to deter Russia from continuing its disinformation activities.

However, military action is a risky option that could lead to unintended consequences. For example, military action could escalate into a wider conflict between the United States and Russia. Military action could also damage relations with other countries that are concerned about the potential for conflict.

The United States has a variety of overt and covert options to combat Russian disinformation. These options include public diplomacy, sanctions, covert action, and military action. The United States should carefully consider the potential costs and benefits of each option before making a decision about how to respond to Russian disinformation.

Striking Back: Overt and Covert Options to Combat Russian Disinformation

by James Mueller

5 out of 5