The US and Russian Meddling: A Hypocritical Perspective
The debate surrounding US involvement in Russian elections often narrows down to two main categories: alleged efforts to publish Clinton emails and disinformation campaigns to sow discord.
However, a closer look reveals that the United States has not been a passive observer. The US can be seen as meddling by its unwavering support for certain groups and activities that promote disagreement and discord within Russia.
Unspoken Invitations and Inaction
While President Trump doesn't explicitly ask for Russian assistance, his actions often work to the advantage of Putin’s propaganda efforts. His inaction and lack of efforts to counteract these propaganda campaigns can be seen as an unspoken invitation for interference.
The line between collaboration and interference is often blurred, and the definition of interference constantly shifts. National intelligence reports point to the US's involvement in such activities, rather than mere rumors.
Russian Perceptions of US Meddling
From the Russian perspective, the situation is quite unique. They see the US as meddling in Russian elections through various means, both direct and indirect.
Propaganda Efforts and Perception Management
The Russian government often accuses the US of medling in their internal affairs. Many do not differentiate between genuine concerns and biased opinions, seeing any opposition as interference from abroad, orchestrated by the US Department of State, known as Gosdep.
Almost all oppositional YouTube channels and bloggers are accused of being funded by the US, even when the content reflects real events. Russian media continually promotes this narrative, reinforcing the idea that any criticism of Putin or his government is paid by the US.
Intentional or not, the mere existence of the United States' political system is seen as interference, as it provides a direct comparison for Russian elections. The democratically elected government of the US stands in stark contrast to the one-party state in Russia.
Propaganda Campaigns and Election Predictions
Russia faces a significant propaganda campaign aimed at promoting constitutional changes. Despite polls showing high voter turnout, Russians believe the results will be predetermined. The Russian public is convinced that any voting outcome will be rigged to support Putin's desired results.
The Russian state-controlled media plays a key role in shaping public opinion. Propaganda posters and messages like "Don't vote! Anyway, you'll get [picture of Putin]" are common, further cementing the belief that the outcome is pre-ordained.
These efforts ensure that Russians expect stable, predictable outcomes, avoiding the surprises that can occur in countries with less controlled elections, such as the US during the 2016 presidential election.
Conclusion: A Hypocritical Cycle of Accusations
While the US is accused of meddling, its actions often align with Putin’s goals, creating a cycle where both sides accuse the other of interference. The definition of interference is fluid and often based on perspective and political alignment.
Whether the US directly interferes or supports activities that indirectly impact Russian elections, the narrative of interference is deeply ingrained in both countries. Understanding and addressing these dynamics is crucial for navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.