Entering the Electoral Fray: The CIA and Russian Meddling in the 2016 Election

Abstract

Interference in US elections by foreign powers did not start in 2016. The chapter begins with a history of CIA analyses examining Russian propaganda involvement in US Presidential elections from the 1960s. It then moves on to discuss the Russian operation to influence the 2016 election. Specifically, it examines the review, commissioned by President Obama, to examine and explain Russian interference. The report illustrated that propaganda was not confined to the internet; the Russians were operating on a broad spectrum: television and social media were being utilised relentlessly. Inevitably, the report became a political football, subject to attack by Trump and his supporters. Document: Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent US Elections.