The RAND Corporation recently released a study that explores modern political warfare and offers recommendations for how the U.S. government and its allies can counter these types of actions by adversaries.
Political warfare refers to measures that do not fit the definition of conventional warfare and includes political, informational, military, and economic measures aimed at influencing, coercing, intimidating or undermining the interests of other parties. These actions can include cyber warfare, propaganda and disinformation campaigns and economic sanctions.
“Political warfare tactics are often subtle, more ambiguous forms of conflict, which can sow conflict, weaken, destabilize and disrupt,” Linda Robinson, lead author of the study and a senior international policy analyst at RAND, said.
The report includes three case studies examining current strategies and practices used by Russia, Iran, and ISIL.
Political warfare was once practiced only by state actors, but modern technology has made it possible for non-state actors such as ISIL to use these tactics as well, Robinson said.
Robinson said the United States must adapt to how adversaries such as Russia, Iran and the Islamic State in Syria and the Levant are using political warfare tactics.
The paper recommends that the U.S. Department of State lead the political warfare effort and coordinate with other agencies such as the Global Engagement Center, the Military Information Support Operations within the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Central Command.
The study also describes gaps in U.S. information capabilities and practices and said that U.S. agencies should be more nimble, and leadership should enable communicators to quicken response times.
Robinson said that compelling evidence provided in a timely manner is the best way to counter disinformation. She noted that independent media outlets serve as a tool to expose political warfare efforts.
The other authors of the study, “Modern Political Warfare: Current Practices and Possible Responses,” are Todd C. Helmus, Raphael S. Cohen, Alireza Nader, Andrew Radin, Madeline Magnuson and Katya Migacheva.