The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Oct. 25, 2023
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
The U.S. government sent a diplomatic cable October 20th to over 100 countries warning of Russia’s efforts to disrupt elections, including amplifying disinformation like the Stop the Steal movement here in the U.S.
The AP, Voice of America and The Guardian report that recently declassified information shows Russia continues to use social media and websites to weaken democratic elections around the world. Those efforts attempted to undermine public confidence in 11 elections in 9 democracies between 2020 to 2022, and influence elections in 17 other countries.
According to the cable, Russian tactics included using internet trolls and social media influencers to stir up suspicion and doubt about elections. U.S. officials suggest the success and low cost of interference efforts in the US. has encouraged Russian efforts to influence democratic elections elsewhere in the world. Russian operatives reportedly coordinated election official intimidation and an election day protest in one European country.
A U.S. intelligence official interviewed by Voice of America said that Russians are QUOTE “amplifying existing domestic narratives” UNQUOTE, questioning the fairness of the election, or that the election didn’t work. U.S. recommendations to combat the interference included expelling the operatives responsible for disinformation, and expanding use of independent observers during elections.
We have links to reporting on the U.S. warning, at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
New York Times – (2021) Russian Interference in 2020 Included Influencing Trump Associates, Report Says
Voice of America – US Sounds Alarm on Russian Election Efforts
The Guardian – Russia working to undermine trust in elections globally, US intelligence says
Associated Press – US warns of a Russian effort to sow doubt over the election outcomes in democracies around the globe
Cybersecurity Infrastructure & Security Agency – Foreign Influence Operations and Disinformation
US Election Assistance Commission – Election Security
US Dept. of State – Exporting Pro-Kremlin Disinformation: The Case of Nova Resistência in Brazil
National Democratic Institute – DISINFORMATION, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND ELECTORAL INTEGRITY
Brennan Center for Justice – 3 Lessons on Misinformation in the Midterms Spread on Social Media
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause, Protect Democracy,NAACP
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#Democracy #DemocracyNews #RussianInterference #StoptheSteal #Disinformation #ProtectElections