Mapping societal cohesion, disinformation and adversary influence operations, and group formation in African crisis regions

Abstract

The U.S.-led global liberal democratic order currently face numerous challenges with critical implications for U. S. national defense. First, ongoing political crises in these regions have corroded societal cohesion and trust that have insulated the regions against larger, full-blown breakdown. Second, Russia and China are actively engaging in disinformation and radicalizing influence operations in Africa with the intention of undermining U.S. influence. Third, as social cohesion diminishes, opportunities for grievances flourish, which exacerbates the social cleavages that simultaneously weaken pro-social groups and foster destabilizing political groups.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Feb 06, 2025
Source ID
FA95502510073

Entities

People

  • Jacob Lewis

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • United States Air Force
  • Washington State University

Tags

Readers

  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics