Content

Issue Brief

Mar 29, 2024

Bolstering cooperation among Quad and Pacific Island countries

By Parker Novak, Kyoko Imai

As the Pacific Islands’ relevance grows, there’s an influx of diplomatic attention and development assistance as external powers seek to curry favor with the sixteen countries. Australia, India, Japan, and the United States (the Quad) seeks to bolster regional engagement to address key regional issues including climate, connectivity, economic development, and maritime security.

Australia Climate Change & Climate Action

Issue Brief

Mar 26, 2024

Sanctions have become a tool of first resort. But enforcement needs upgraded and updated resources.

By David Mortlock and Alex Zerden

Enforcement remains a critical but underresourced element of economic sanctions.

Economic Sanctions United States and Canada

Issue Brief

Mar 14, 2024

Leveraging generative artificial intelligence to outcompete strategic rivals

By Jeffrey Cimmino, Andrew A. Michta

The United States and its allies must leverage generative artificial intelligence to outcompete strategic rivals.

China International Organizations

Issue Brief

Mar 5, 2024

Cleveland, Ohio: Promoting a local and just energy transition

By Peter Engelke, Joseph Webster, Maia Sparkman

The issue brief focuses on the decarbonization pathway of Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland's history shows that a concerted, collaborative effort can accomplish major conservation and decarbonization goals.

Energy Transitions Geopolitics & Energy Security

Issue Brief

Feb 29, 2024

In Europe and the South Caucasus, the Kremlin leans on energy blackmail and scare tactics

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

Moscow tried to sow fear among Moldovans, Georgians, and Armenians that what happened to Ukrainians could happen to them.

Disinformation Internet

Issue Brief

Feb 29, 2024

In Ukraine, Russia tries to discredit leaders and amplify internal divisions

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

On the information front, Russia had two goals in year two of its war: convince Ukrainians of their government’s inability to rule the country honestly, and persuade Ukraine’s allies that investing in Ukraine would be wasteful.

Disinformation Internet

Issue Brief

Feb 29, 2024

After Prigozhin, Russia clamps down online

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

Russia rolled out a new internet surveillance system in 2023 to crack down domestically on anti-war content, while pushing false narratives to undermine Ukraine at home and abroad.

Civil Society Disinformation

Issue Brief

Feb 29, 2024

Complicated history helps Russian narratives about Ukraine find a foothold in the Middle East

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

Across the Arabic-speaking world, the narratives amplified by Russian state media and local media partners are framed in a way that appeals to audiences in the region and their complicated history with the West.

Democratic Transitions Disinformation

Issue Brief

Feb 29, 2024

In Latin America, Russia’s ambassadors and state media tailor anti-Ukraine content to the local context

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

In the second year of Russia's war on Ukraine, Moscow tried to sell a wider global audience on its version of events. In Latin America, Kremlin media outlets RT en Español and Sputnik Mundo were key players in this effort.

Disinformation Internet

Issue Brief

Feb 29, 2024

Two-pronged approach to Africa pays dividends for Russia

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

In the African countries with which Russia has longstanding ties, diplomats lead the way. Elsewhere on the continent, Wagner Group fighters are Moscow's more active representatives. Both official and covert approaches exploit local grievances to push Russia's narrative.

Africa Disinformation