Media Enabled Information Operations: A Framework for the 2020 United States Election
Open Access
Author:
Mende, Calvin Douglas
Area of Honors:
Security and Risk Analysis
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Jacob Lehner Graham, Thesis Supervisor Donald Richard Shemanski, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Information Operations Deception 2016 U.S. Election Election Interference
Abstract:
During the 2016 presidential election, Russia launched an information operation on a scale never before seen. The Russia-based Internet Research agency was able to spread disinformation and sow political discord among U.S. citizens through the use of social media. By creating a deception narrative, Russia sought to undermine Western democratic principles. The U.S. has made efforts to respond to Russian interference. However, with the 2020 election approaching, Russia will be seeking to influence citizens for a desired effect. This report will complete the following: define and analyze information operations from the scope of the United States and Russia, define the elements of deception, examine the biases that make individuals susceptible to deception, identify social media’s role in disinformation, study the effects and implications of Russia’s interference in 2016 election, and provide a theoretical framework for the potential intentions and actions of Russia in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.