Foreign Influence Operations

Foreign influence operations involve covert and deceptive efforts by foreign governments or their proxies to manipulate U.S. political processes, public opinion, and democratic institutions. These operations go beyond lawful diplomacy by using disinformation, propaganda, and covert campaigns aimed at undermining trust in government and influencing policy decisions. The U.S. government treats these activities as serious threats to national security and democracy.

What Foreign Influence Operations Involve

Such operations often include spreading false information, manipulating social media, and conducting coordinated campaigns designed to sow division and weaken public confidence. These tactics are distinct from legitimate foreign influence, which is transparent and lawful. To combat these threats, the U.S. established the Foreign Malign Influence Center, which integrates intelligence and coordinates efforts across agencies while safeguarding civil liberties.

Protecting Elections from Foreign Interference

Elections are a prime target for foreign influence because they represent the core of American democracy. Foreign actors may attempt to disrupt election infrastructure, influence voter behavior, or erode confidence in election outcomes. The U.S. employs a multi-layered defense system to secure elections and maintain their integrity, as detailed in How the U.S. Protects Elections from Foreign Interference.

Countering Foreign Propaganda Online

In addition to election security, the U.S. military and federal agencies actively combat foreign disinformation campaigns that target American audiences online. This includes detecting coordinated inauthentic behavior, exposing propaganda networks, and issuing public warnings to protect the information environment. More on these efforts can be found in Military vs. Disinformation: How America Fights Foreign Propaganda Online.