The Controversy of Meddling: USA vs Russia in Election Interference

The discussion around meddling in elections has been a heated topic in recent years, particularly between the USA and Russia. This article aims to explore the extent to which each nation interferes in the other's electoral processes and the implications of such actions.

Evidence of USA Meddling in Russian Elections

There are two primary categories that have been used to describe alleged meddling: the alleged involvement in the publication of Clinton emails and the dissemination of content intended to sow discord. While the first category is relatively straightforward, the second is more complex and requires a deeper analysis of ongoing American activities.

The US is currently engaged in sponsoring individuals and activities that are designed to create discord within Russian society. By this definition, the US is already meddling to some extent. This article aims to demonstrate that the situation in the US is unique, as it has never before faced an adversarial foreign state being invited to interfere in the election process.

President Trump's inaction in thwarting Putin's propaganda efforts is a significant factor. By failing to take action, Trump is indirectly inviting interference in the election process. This goes beyond mere rumor and is supported by national intelligence reports, making it a serious concern.

Russian Perception of US Meddling

It is important to acknowledge that the Russian government believes that the US does interfere in their elections. However, the way they define this interference has evolved over time. Soon, any attempt to promote fair elections may be viewed as interference by the US.

This is evident in the number of posts and videos circulating in Russia that claim the US interferes in Russia's internal affairs. For instance, President Putin has complained about foreign interference regarding coronavirus handling in Russia, stating that the input comes from abroad as usual. This reflects a broader narrative promoting the idea that any negative views about Putin are "paid by Gosdep," the US State Department.

Even oppositional YouTube channels and bloggers in Russia, as portrayed by media outlets like Radio Svoboda, are often alleged to be sponsored by Gosdep. This narrative is so pervasive that any opinion expressed here is considered paid by Gosdep, as stated by Russian kremlebots.

The Role of Propaganda and Voter Manipulation in Russia

The fact that the USA exists is itself a form of meddling from the Russian perspective, as it provides a benchmark for comparison. For example, the extensive propaganda campaign to promote constitutional amendments in Russia highlights the sophisticated methods used. Despite these efforts, many Russians believe that regardless of their votes or participation, the outcome will be predetermined.

The WCIOM (All Russian Public Opinion Research Centre) is just one example of the robust propaganda machinery in Russia. Their published polls and the subsequent reporting on the same results showcase how the media outlet works to shape public opinion. Russians are convinced that no matter what they do, the results will be the same, thanks to the extensive efforts by the government to ensure a predictable outcome.

The comparison with the 2020 US presidential elections, where the outcome was still uncertain despite extensive polling, further emphasizes the difference in voter manipulation techniques. In Russia, surprises like Trump's unexpected victory in 2016 are not possible, as the end result is known in advance. This creates a stagnant political environment where voter behavior becomes a mere formality.

Conclusion

While the extent of meddling may differ, the reality is that both the USA and Russia engage in activities that can be categorized as election interference. For Russia, this interference is a significant part of their internal propaganda efforts. For the US, the situation presents a unique historical context where an adversarial foreign state is essentially invited to interfere. Whether this meddling is effective or not, it is a critical topic for both nations to address.