419: David Shimer | 100 Years of Covert Election Interference

Digital Propaganda

David Shimer explains how digital platforms are exploited for propaganda, particularly by Russia, to influence elections globally. He highlights that Russia identifies existing societal flaws and amplifies them to create division, a tactic rooted in Soviet tradition 1. This strategy not only targets the United States but also other democracies, aiming to weaken societal cohesion and diminish America's global leadership 2.

They identify our own flaws, our own shortcomings, and they pour gasoline on them. They blow them up, they take advantage of it.

--- David Shimer

Shimer notes that this approach benefits Russia by promoting nationalist figures who weaken international alliances, thereby increasing Russia's influence 2.

   

Interference Examples

Election interference by Russia is not limited to the United States; it is a global strategy with numerous examples. David Shimer discusses the 2014 Ukrainian election, where Russian interference included planting a virus to announce false results, showcasing a blatant disregard for democratic processes 3. This tactic aims to undermine trust in elections, making citizens question their legitimacy 4.

They want people to believe that elections are illegitimate. That no one will really know who won them.

--- David Shimer

Shimer emphasizes that by exposing these operations, Russia projects power and sows doubt about the effectiveness of democracies worldwide 4.