Defense Date
4-21-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Science
Degree Name
National Security Affairs and International Relations
First Advisor
Kathleen Doll, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
James Phelps, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Ransford Edwards, Ph.D.
Keywords
Estonia, Germany, Influence Operations, Information Operations, Russia, United States
Abstract
For years, the Russian Federation has effectively used influence operations to advance their global position and interfere with democratic processes like elections throughout the world. This project addresses the question: is the United States more susceptible to Russian influence operations compared to other nations with varied protections for freedom of speech? The Western world may be more vulnerable to disinformation and propaganda because people are unaccustomed to state narratives and vulnerable to targeted operations. The more research is done on this topic, the more people can become aware of the problem and protect themselves from vulnerability. By comparing data about Russian influence operations from Germany, Estonia, and Syria to similar data from the United States, it is apparent that the U.S. is not more vulnerable than any other democratic country. A survey was conducted on the U.S. population to illustrate how Americans perceive the trustworthiness of their media and news. Although Germany and Estonia have higher frequency of attack or greater limits on speech, the U.S. experienced influence operations similarly. However, it was clear that state media and no free speech made a country even more vulnerable. Efforts thus far by democratic countries to combat influence operations have not been highly effective. Russian influence operations will continue to influence elections, motivate behavior, and erode media trust unless solutions are determined. Increasing media literacy regarding foreign influence operations is vital. This study demonstrates that people are ill equipped currently to defend themselves against influence operations which will continue to negatively impact the U.S. and any country that does not adequately address these issues.
NSUWorks Citation
Giselle Weiss. 2023. Understanding the Effectiveness of Russian Influence Operations on the United States as Compared to Other Regimes. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (1)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hcas_nsa_etd/1.