How Democracies Can Offset Autocratic Advances
Illiberal regimes use a wide range of tools to undermine democratic institutions and alliances, prevent criticism of their own regimes and governance systems, and establish norms and standards favorable to autocratic rule. In the case of digital information technology, these efforts go beyond shaping norms to controlling the infrastructure that transmits information itself. To date, democracies have been slow to adapt to this contest, but the United States can regain the initiative if it addresses its vulnerabilities, leverages its strategic advantages, and reframes the contest on its own terms.