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iii
Preface
This report documents research and analysis conducted as part of a
project entitled
Combatting Russian Social Media Information Opera-
tions in the United States
. The purpose of this project was to formulate
specific and actionable approaches and policies for countering Russian
disinformation on social media inside the United States.
RAND Ventures
RAND is a research organization that develops solutions to public
policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world
safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND is non-
profit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest.
RAND Ventures is a vehicle for investing in policy solutions.
Philanthropic contributions support our ability to take the long view,
tackle tough and often controversial topics, and share our findings
in innovative and compelling ways. RAND’s research findings and
recommendations are based on data and evidence, and therefore do
not necessarily reflect the policy preferences or interests of its clients,
donors, or supporters.
Funding for this venture was made possible by the independent
research and development provisions of RAND’s contracts for the
operation of its U.S. Department of Defense federally funded research
and development centers.
v
Contents
Preface .....iii
Figures and Table ....vii
Summary ..ix
Acknowledgments ...xv
Abbreviations .......xvii
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction ...........1
Objectives and Approach ..........3
CHAPTER TWO
Disinformation Chain ...........7
Russian Leadership.....8
Organs and Proxies of Russia .....8
Amplification Channels ..........10
Consumers .11
CHAPTER THREE
Current Efforts and Proposed Solutions 13
Current Efforts ........14
Proposed Solutions ...20
CHAPTER FOUR
Conclusions and Recommendations .....55
References .59。