Something to consider: What if Russian interference in U.S. elections is not about U.S. elections, but a way to push international cyberspace policy? Hear me out. 1/
2/ For years Russia has been pushing for international rules policing cyberspace. China has aligned itself with these efforts.
3/ Both Russia & China want international rules that involve “information security” meaning controlling internet content. Contrast this with the US position for a system of network security to protect data.
4/ Russia & China perceive national security threats from Western dominance of the Internet including ownership of most of the hardware & software, use of the internet to promote the Western worldview of liberal democracy, the power of Western social media to
5/ promote & coordinate revolutions & social unrest, & the US & UK’s dominant militarization of the cyber domain (ie US Cyber Command).
6/ By pushing perceived damaging/subversive “content” into the US cyber domain during the elections, the Russians have successfully opened both the debate about & direct actions involving the control of internet content
7/ This is likely their goal, not to influence elections. We need to be diligent not to allow international policies of “information security” & content control as expressed by Russia & supported by China. But to continue to seek ways to secure networks &
8/ educate the public to be critical consumers of internet content. Our liberty depends on it. Fin.
9/ I want to stress I think this is A motivation/goal (or a happy consequence) not the only motivation for interference. My point being there is a bigger picture goal here that is not being addressed. One that has a risk of being successful if we are not careful.
