Information Operations: An Understudied Facet of Russian Influence in Africa

December, 2021
IDA document: D-22824
FFRDC: Systems and Analyses Center
Type: Documents
Division: Joint Advanced Warfighting Division
Authors:
Authors
Miriam M. Roday, Sarah A. Daly See more authors
The conversation surrounding Russian power projection in Africa often focuses on its revitalization of Soviet-era relationships and strategies to strike military, trade and resource deals across the continent. However, Russia's weaponization of information is an understudied, overlooked component of its strategic influence efforts that presents immediate national security risks to democratic processes and institutions across the continent. In the past few years, such campaigns have enabled the Kremlin to dictate the terms of the truth and to degrade democratic discourse, which directly undermines U.S.- stated interests in the region, namely its commitment to strengthening democratic progress and peace. Since Russian efforts to infiltrate the information space will likely grow in scale and sophistication, it is critical that the United States and Allies and Partners focus on countering Russia’s soft power plays to ensure that democratic institutions in Africa can flourish and endure.