Disinformation And Alliances: A Strategic and Theoretical Analysis

Abstract

Alliances are a strategic advantage that states can use to bolster their defences against disinformation. Beyond defence, alliances can deter disinformation. Despite these advantages, most of the counter-disinformation initiatives taken by Western alliances pertain to the operational and tactical levels, rather than the strategic level; thus, deeper thinking about alliances and disinformation is warranted at the strategic level of analysis. Strategically, alliances enable states to pool resources, develop interoperability, devise advanced technologies in consortium, and coordinate policies across member states. Although these advantages are typically considered in the context of conventional capabilities (i.e., with regard to material military assets), alliances are also highly valuable for bolstering allied capabilities in the information environment. In that context, alliances are critical for balancing power against authoritarian states that use disinformation as an offensive method to accomplish their goals. By examining disinformation at the strategic level of analysis, and by drawing from International Relations (IR) theory to deeper understand how alliances provide a value-added for countering disinformation, practitioners would be better positioned to respond to the disinformation that threaten democratic institutions and societies.