Key Insights
Why is there less attention being paid to foreign influence in the 2024 election compared to 2016?
Attention is still significant, but the sheer volume of foreign interference makes it hard to focus on any single threat.
Why do foreign adversaries like Russia and Iran interfere in U.S. elections?
They aim to sow discord, discredit the democratic process, and create suspicion among voters.
Why did the Foreign Malign Influence Center release a redacted public version of an internal assessment?
To emphasize the severity of foreign efforts to foment violence and disrupt the election process.
Why did President Obama delay publicizing Russian interference in the 2016 election?
He feared it would appear as if he was interfering on behalf of Hillary Clinton, who was expected to win.
Why is China not actively interfering in the U.S. presidential election?
China believes both parties are anti-China and fears consequences if caught influencing a national election.
Why are foreign adversaries using social media influencers to spread disinformation?
To evade detection by social media platforms that police inauthentic behavior.
Why is the process of deciding what information to make public about foreign interference non-political?
It involves career intelligence officials making recommendations, which are then approved by a non-partisan group.
Chapters
David Kirkpatrick discusses the ongoing efforts by foreign adversaries, particularly Russia and Iran, to influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election through disinformation and social media manipulation.
- Russia and Iran are actively spreading disinformation to sow discord and discredit the democratic process.
- The Foreign Malign Influence Center has detected efforts to foment violence between the election and inauguration.
- Foreign governments have obtained detailed voter roll information to target specific voters with disinformation.
Shownotes Transcript
