Researching influence operations: 'dark Arts' mercenaries and the digital influence industry

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Abstract

Since 2016’s UK Brexit referendum and US presidential election, concern about influence operations has dominated media coverage, scholarship, and policy debates. Social media platforms enabled a Wild West where disinformation (deliberately false or ‘black’ propaganda) can be distributed with algorithmic precision to influence minds and behaviours. This chapter’s contribution is in defining a ‘digital influence industry’ concept, distinguishing it from similar actors, and analysing its role and its importance for understanding influence operations and, within it, propaganda and ‘disinformation’. The author advocates for renewed focus on studying influence actors and industries to understand more deeply their distinct roles in shaping ideas, emotions, and behaviours for governments, politicians, and other actors. The chapter argues this is essential to understanding and addressing misleading campaigns within a democracy in a way that ensures accountability and protects free speech and citizens’ rights.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Digital Diplomacy
EditorsCornelia Bjola, Ilan Manor
Place of PublicationOxford UK
PublisherOxford University Press
Chapter5
Pages90-100
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9780191949715
ISBN (Print)9780192859198
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

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