This policy brief by Sergei Cristo describes Russia's systematic approach to political interference using cyber tools, focusing on disinformation and influence operations as key elements of the Gerasimov Doctrine. Most notably, the 2016 US Presidential Election is examined, where Russia employed a multi-pronged campaign involving hacking, social media manipulation with troll farms and bots, and coordinated influence efforts to sow distrust and influence political outcomes. The analysis emphasizes the complexity of Russian cyber operations, including proxies, state-funded NGOs, and the convergence of cyberattacks with traditional political strategies. The piece further outlines the challenges in countering such operations, noting existing international frameworks lack universality and coordination, and it calls for enhanced cooperation among NATO and allied bodies. The brief underscores Russia’s blending of cyber operations with political warfare to undermine democratic institutions and explains the need for holistic defense measures.

This policy brief by Sergei Cristo describes Russia's systematic approach to political interference using cyber tools, focusing on disinformation and influence operations as key elements of the Gerasimov Doctrine. Most notably, the 2016 US Presidential Election is examined, where Russia employed a multi-pronged campaign involving hacking, social media manipulation with troll farms and bots, and coordinated influence efforts to sow distrust and influence political outcomes. The analysis emphasizes the complexity of Russian cyber operations, including proxies, state-funded NGOs, and the convergence of cyberattacks with traditional political strategies. The piece further outlines the challenges in countering such operations, noting existing international frameworks lack universality and coordination, and it calls for enhanced cooperation among NATO and allied bodies. The brief underscores Russia’s blending of cyber operations with political warfare to undermine democratic institutions and explains the need for holistic defense measures.