How Does Russia Wage Contemporary Political Warfare, and Consequently Challenge International Order?

Abstract

In twenty-first century conflict Western states face a range of tactics conducted in the information space to coerce, influence and undermine their strategic interests. Malign actors operating in the grey zone capitalise on the ambiguity and deniability of contemporary political warfare where information has become weaponised. Political warfare waged by Russia employs propaganda and disinformation to undermine the US-led international order and the democratic values that underpin it. Free speech and freedom of information are the greatest strengths of democracy, but with the advent of the internet and social media, they may also be its biggest threat.