Counteracting Malign Influence Operations: Harnessing the Power of IEP’s Positive Peace Framework 

By M. Nuri Shakoor

Global Security Analyst

ARAC International Inc.

In partnership with IOSI Global and USAID

Integration of IEP’s Positive Peace to Counter Malign Influence

Introduction

In an era marked by the rapid digitization of information and its global dissemination, the threat of malign influence operations has become increasingly prevalent. These operations, often state-sponsored, utilize disinformation, propaganda, and sophisticated digital tools to manipulate public opinion, sow discord, and destabilize societies. Counteracting such malign influences requires a comprehensive, multidimensional strategy that goes beyond mere reactive measures.

The Institute for Economics & Peace’s (IEP) Positive Peace Methodology provides a compelling framework for building societal resilience against these threats. The methodology, encapsulated in the Positive Peace Index (PPI), offers an empirical and holistic approach to understanding the drivers of peaceful societies. It identifies eight key factors, or pillars, that contribute to sustainable peaceful: a well-functioning government, sound business environment, equitable distribution of resources, acceptance of the rights of others, good relations with neighbors, free flow of information, high levels of human capital, and low levels of corruption.

In the context of digital diplomacy and strategies to counter malign influence, integrating the principles of the Positive Peace Methodology can be highly beneficial. It can provide actionable insights into creating more resilient societies that can effectively resist attempts to manipulate public opinion and destabilize social harmony. This report  discusses how each of the eight pillars of Positive Peace can be incorporated into strategies to counter malign influence operations.

Application of Positive Peace Principles to Counteract Malign Influence

IEP's Positive Peace Framework presents a valuable perspective that can be integrated into strategies to counter malign influence operations. The eight pillars of Positive Peace provide a guide for building societal resilience and promoting peace, which can indirectly counteract the efforts of malign actors.

Well-functioning Government: Ensuring transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in governmental functions can act as a strong deterrent to malign influence. By fostering trust and participation, a well-functioning government can limit the impact of disinformation campaigns and foreign interference.


Sound Business Environment: A robust and resilient business environment can provide the necessary resources for countering malign influence. This includes funding for technology and tools to track and analyze malign influences, as well as businesses that can partner in these efforts.


Equitable Distribution of Resources: By ensuring equitable access to resources like education and health, societies can build their resilience to malign influence. Education, in particular, can equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify and resist such influences.


Acceptance of the Rights of Others: Upholding human rights and promoting diversity and inclusion can help build societal cohesion and resilience, reducing the effectiveness of efforts to sow discord or incite violence.


Good Relations with Neighbours: By building strong and peaceful relations with other countries, nations can collaborate effectively to counter malign influence on a global scale. This can involve sharing intelligence, coordinating responses, and advocating for international regulations against malign influence.


Free Flow of Information: Ensuring a free and independent media can counteract disinformation and misinformation campaigns by providing accurate and reliable information. Digital platforms can also be used to disseminate this information widely and counter false narratives.


High Levels of Human Capital: Educating citizens and promoting the development of knowledge can equip individuals to resist malign influence. This could involve digital literacy education, teaching individuals to identify fake news and disinformation, and training diplomats in digital diplomacy strategies.


Low Levels of Corruption: By reducing corruption, trust in institutions can be enhanced, making it harder for malign actors to exploit dissatisfaction or civil unrest.


It's important to note that the application of these strategies must be tailored to the specific cultural norms and development path of each country, as per the IEP's methodology. This ensures that the strategies are appropriate and effective in each specific context. The holistic and empirically derived Positive Peace Framework provides a comprehensive guide for building societal resilience, which is a critical aspect of countering malign influence.

Well Functioning Government

A well-functioning government is necessity  in countering malign influence, particularly in the age of digital diplomacy. It encompasses several key characteristics - transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. These elements together can foster an environment of trust and active participation from citizens, serving as a strong bulwark against malign influence.

Transparency refers to openness in the operation of government which can engender trust among citizens and prevent the spread of disinformation. When government processes and decisions are transparent, it becomes difficult for malign actors to spread false narratives or misinformation about the government's actions. Furthermore, transparency can also facilitate participation from the public, as citizens who understand what the government is doing are more likely to get involved and contribute positively.

Accountability ensures that government officials are held responsible for their actions. When a government is accountable, it strengthens the social contract between the government and its citizens. It reassures the public that wrongdoings will be punished and that justice will be served. This can discourage malign actors who might try to exploit gaps in accountability to further their own agendas.

Upholding the Rule of Law is another significant component of a well-functioning government. It ensures that every citizen and institution, including the government itself, is subject to the law. The rule of law also guarantees that laws are applied fairly and consistently, protecting citizens from arbitrary actions. This can increase trust in institutions and reduce opportunities for malign actors to incite discord or violence.

In the context of digital diplomacy, a well-functioning government can effectively counter malign influences by setting an example of clear, honest communication and by implementing strict legal and ethical guidelines for digital engagement. As citizens become more confident in their government's ability to act responsibly and transparently, they are less likely to be swayed by disinformation campaigns or foreign interference. Therefore, a well-functioning government does not only manage its internal affairs effectively but also defends against external threats, bolstering the nation's digital diplomatic efforts.

Sound Business Environment

A sound business environment is essential to enable a nation to effectively counter malign influence. It is characterized by strong economic conditions, a competitive market, an environment conducive to innovation, and well-enforced commercial laws.

In efforts to countering malign influences, a robust business environment can contribute in several significant ways:

• Investment in Technology: Businesses, especially those in the technology sector, often have access to advanced technologies and tools that can be pivotal in countering malign influence. These can include cybersecurity tools, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, data analytics software, and more. With proper investment and the right incentives, these businesses can develop and enhance technologies that help detect, analyze, and neutralize digital threats.

• Partnerships: Businesses can form productive partnerships with government entities to amplify their counter-efforts. They can bring their unique expertise, resources, and insights to help shape more effective strategies. This collaboration can lead to the development of new tools, the refinement of strategies, and the execution of coordinated responses to malign influences.

• Funding: Businesses, particularly large corporations and technology giants, can provide significant funding for initiatives aimed at countering malign influences. This can help ensure that such efforts are well-resourced and can sustainably operate over the long term.

• Promotion of Digital Literacy: Businesses, especially those in the tech and media sectors, can also contribute to public education efforts. They can help promote digital literacy, equipping the public with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and resist disinformation, misinformation, and other forms of malign influence.

• Establishing Industry Standards and Practices: Businesses can work together to establish industry standards and best practices for countering malign influences. This could include standards for data sharing, privacy, content moderation, and more. These standards can help create a unified, industry-wide approach to dealing with digital threats.

In essence, a sound business environment not only aids in economic prosperity but also contributes substantially to a nation's defensive and responsive capabilities against malign influences. Businesses, with their resources, expertise, and innovative spirit, can be important allies in these efforts.

Equitable Distribution of Resources

Equitable distribution of resources is a fundamental principle in building resilient societies and crucial in countering malign influence. It means providing all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, background or location, with equal access to essential resources such as education, health services, and economic opportunities.

With regards to countering malign influence, equity in access to these resources can have several benefits:

• Education: Equitable access to quality education is particularly significant. A well-informed and educated populace is less likely to fall prey to disinformation or propaganda. It's not just about access to education, but also about the content of the education. Incorporating elements like digital literacy, critical thinking, and media literacy into curricula can equip individuals with the necessary skills to discern fact from fiction, thus becoming more resistant to disinformation campaigns.

• Health: Ensuring equitable access to health services means that all citizens can maintain their physical and mental well-being, enabling them to fully participate in society. When individuals are healthy, they are more capable of making informed decisions and less likely to be influenced by manipulative narratives.

• Economic Opportunities: Equitable economic opportunities ensure that all individuals have a stake in the prosperity of their society. This reduces societal rifts and frustrations that can be exploited by malign actors.

• Moreover, when resources are distributed equitably, it reduces social disparities and tensions, creating a more harmonious society. This lessens the opportunities for external actors to exploit social divisions or inequalities for their own gain.

On the other hand, unequal distribution of resources can breed discontent and social discord, making a society more vulnerable to malign influence. Thus, striving for equitable distribution of resources helps foster societal resilency to such influences. It empowers individuals with the necessary tools and opportunities to resist and respond effectively to potential threats.

Acceptance of The Rights of Others

Acceptance of the rights of others is a crucial component in the fabric of a peaceful society. Upholding human rights, celebrating diversity, and promoting inclusion are not only fundamental ethical principles but are also practical strategies for building societal cohesion and resilience against malign influence.

Upholding Human Rights: A society where human rights are respected and protected is likely to be more resilient to external attempts to stir conflict. The assurance of fundamental rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech, right to information, right to privacy, and freedom from discrimination, acts as a safeguard against malign actors trying to exploit potential societal vulnerabilities. It also increases trust in the societal structures and institutions that protect these rights, which can help thwart efforts to sow distrust or spread misinformation.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: A diverse society that actively promotes inclusion is often a stronger society. Embracing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion can strengthen societal bonds, creating a unified front against external attempts to incite division or discord. By ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, societies can prevent the marginalization of certain groups, which malign actors often try to exploit.

Building Societal Cohesion: When individuals feel that their rights are respected and that they are valued members of society, this fosters a sense of belonging and community. This societal cohesion is a powerful deterrent to efforts by malign actors to sow discord. A cohesive society is more likely to respond collectively and effectively to threats, reducing the impact of malign influence.

In the context of digital diplomacy, promoting the acceptance of the rights of others can involve advocating for digital rights, countering hate speech online, promoting diverse voices and perspectives in digital spaces, and educating the public about respecting the rights of others online.

By creating a societal environment that respects and values the rights of all individuals, societies can increase their resilience to malign influence and ensure a more peaceful and stable environment.

Good Relations with Neighbors

Good relations with neighbors, both in terms of other nations and different internal groups, play a pivotal role in the resilience against malign influence. In an era where digital boundaries are increasingly blurred, fostering harmonious relations can significantly enhance collective efforts to counter such threats.

Intelligence Sharing: A key aspect of good international relations is the sharing of intelligence. Information about potential or ongoing malign influence operations, their sources, methods, and objectives can be invaluable when shared among allies. By pooling together the intelligence gathered by different nations, it is possible to construct a clearer picture of the threats posed and mount a more comprehensive defense or counter-attack.

Coordinated Responses: Coordinated action among nations or groups can drastically increase the effectiveness of efforts to counter malign influence. It prevents malign actors from exploiting discrepancies in different nations' approaches and ensures that their efforts are met with a unified front. This could include synchronized public statements, joint diplomatic actions, shared technical countermeasures, or cooperative law enforcement efforts.

International Regulations: Good international relations also facilitate the creation and enforcement of international laws, standards, or regulations aimed at curbing malign influence. These could include regulations against spreading disinformation, cybercrime laws, or standards for data sharing and privacy. A collective approach to policymaking can make it harder for malign actors to find safe havens and can ensure broader compliance.

Regional Integration: Countries with positive external relations often experience better regional integration. This not only aids in improving economic conditions but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility against external threats, including malign influence.

Internal Peace: On an internal level, maintaining harmonious relations between different ethnic, religious, and cultural groups is also vital. A nation where internal relations are strong is less likely to be influenced by attempts to sow discord among different groups, making it more resilient against such malign influences.

In conclusion, good relations with neighbors are key in building a strong collective defense against malign influence. It promotes cooperation, coordination, and mutual assistance in a fight that is significantly more effective when not fought alone.

Free Flow of Information

The free flow of information is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society and a critical deterrent to malign influence. Ensuring the freedom and independence of the media, both traditional and digital, has multiple implications in the battle against disinformation and misinformation campaigns.

1. Counteracting Disinformation: A free and independent media is an essential tool in counteracting disinformation and misinformation. Journalists, when allowed to operate independently, can provide a check on misinformation by fact-checking and reporting on its inaccuracy. An independent press can effectively expose false narratives, investigate their origins, and provide the public with accurate information.

2. Disseminating Accurate Information: The media's role is not just to counter false information, but also to actively disseminate accurate and reliable information. This can help fill information voids that could otherwise be exploited by malicious actors. By providing context, analysis, and accurate facts, the media can promote understanding and informed discourse among the public.

3. Digital Platforms: In today's digital age, the role of digital platforms in the free flow of information cannot be overstated. Social media, blogs, podcasts, and other digital platforms can significantly amplify the reach of accurate information. These platforms can also be harnessed to directly counter and debunk false narratives in real-time, enabling a rapid response to disinformation campaigns.

4. Public Trust: A free and independent media can build public trust in information sources. This is critical, as trust is a major factor in the public's acceptance of information. If citizens trust their media outlets to deliver accurate and unbiased news, they are less likely to believe disinformation spread by malign actors.

5. Crisis Management: During times of crisis, the media's role in disseminating accurate information becomes even more important. By providing real-time updates, factual reporting, and expert analysis, the media can help the public make rational and informed decisions.

However, maintaining a free flow of information requires constant vigilance. Efforts must be made to protect against attempts to control or manipulate the media, and digital literacy must be promoted so that the public can critically evaluate the information they consume.

A free and independent media that ensures the unrestricted flow of information is one of society's best defenses against malign influence. By providing accurate information and debunking false narratives, the media can help build a resilient society that is less vulnerable to disinformation and misinformation campaigns.

High Levels of Human Capital

High levels of human capital—referring to the skills, knowledge, and experience possessed by individuals—play a crucial role in countering malign influences. The more educated and informed the populace, the less likely they are to be swayed by disinformation or manipulation.

Digital Literacy Education: As our world becomes increasingly digital, the importance of digital literacy cannot be overstated. Digital literacy refers to the skills required to effectively navigate, understand, evaluate, and create information using digital technologies. These skills can help individuals distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information, recognize disinformation or propaganda, and navigate online spaces securely.

Identifying Fake News and Disinformation: By incorporating media literacy into the educational curriculum, societies can equip their citizens with the ability to critically evaluate media content. This includes recognizing biases, identifying manipulated content, and verifying sources. In doing so, individuals can become more resilient to fake news and disinformation campaigns.

Training Diplomats in Digital Diplomacy Strategies: Diplomats represent nations on the global stage and are often the targets of malign influence operations. As such, it is essential they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate these challenges. This could involve training in cybersecurity, understanding of digital communication strategies, and knowledge of how to use digital tools to counteract malign influences. By doing so, they can effectively promote their nation's interests and values while defending against malicious intent.

Promoting Knowledge Development: Beyond formal education, societies can also promote the development of knowledge through various channels. This includes fostering a culture of lifelong learning, encouraging research and innovation, and facilitating access to diverse sources of information. By doing so, societies can continually adapt to new challenges and opportunities, including those posed by malign influence.

To summarize, high levels of human capital contribute significantly to societal resilience against malign influences. By fostering digital and media literacy, societies can equip their citizens with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world securely and discerningly. Moreover, by training diplomats in digital diplomacy strategies, nations can effectively counteract malign influences on the global stage. Investing in human capital thus serves as a critical defense strategy against malign influences.

Low Levels of Corruption

Low levels of corruption play an essential role in establishing a resilient society that is resistant to malign influence. The less corrupt a society is, the more trust its citizens place in its institutions, making it difficult for external malign actors to exploit dissatisfaction or induce civil unrest.

Enhancing Trust in Institutions: Low levels of corruption correspond with higher trust in governmental and societal institutions. When institutions are viewed as fair, honest, and accountable, citizens are more likely to follow their guidance, believe their information, and discount disinformation designed to undermine these institutions. This trust serves as a buffer against external malign influences seeking to exploit mistrust or discord.

Preventing Exploitation of Dissatisfaction: In societies with high levels of corruption, there is often significant public dissatisfaction. Malign actors can exploit this dissatisfaction to further their own agenda, for example, by spreading disinformation designed to incite unrest or discord. By reducing corruption, societies can prevent such exploitation.

Promoting Stability: Low corruption levels contribute to political and societal stability, making it harder for malign influence to disrupt society. Stable societies are typically better equipped to counteract external threats and are less likely to fall victim to divisive disinformation campaigns.

Creating a Resilient Society: Reducing corruption contributes to a resilient society in which citizens are less susceptible to manipulation. In a society where resources are distributed fairly, governmental processes are transparent, and the rule of law is upheld, malign influence operations are less likely to gain traction.

Encouraging International Collaboration: Countries with low corruption levels are more likely to establish fruitful international partnerships, which can be beneficial in jointly countering malign influence. These countries are more likely to share intelligence, coordinate responses, and advocate for international regulations against malign influence.

Low levels of corruption can play a significant role in countering malign influence. By fostering trust in institutions, reducing public dissatisfaction, promoting stability, and encouraging international collaboration, societies can build a strong defense against malign influence operations.

Conclusion

The threats posed by malign influence operations in our increasingly interconnected and digital world are complex and multifaceted. They demand a robust and comprehensive response that encompasses more than just short-term measures and reactive strategies. The Positive Peace Methodology by IEP provides a unique and powerful lens through which to view these challenges, offering holistic and empirically derived insights into creating and sustaining peaceful societies.

Each of the eight pillars of Positive Peace plays a critical role in building societal resilience against malign influence. A well-functioning government enhances trust, making it harder for disinformation to take root. A sound business environment provides resources and potential partnerships to counter these influences. Equitable distribution of resources, particularly education, strengthens societal immunity to disinformation. The acceptance of others' rights fosters social cohesion, diminishing the potential for discord. Good relations with neighbors allow for international collaboration against shared threats. The free flow of information counters disinformation directly, while high levels of human capital and low levels of corruption build societal resilience and trust.

By integrating the principles of Positive Peace into our strategies, we can move towards a more proactive and effective approach to countering malign influence. This methodology does not only address the symptoms but tackles the root causes, thus promoting enduring peace and stability. However, the process of building Positive Peace is an ongoing one, requiring continuous assessment, adaptation, and commitment from all sectors of society. Therefore, it is imperative to continually strive for these eight pillars to enhance our resilience to malign influences and to create a more peaceful and stable global society.