Overview
The Beyond Disinformation Research Cluster was a SSHRC-funded collaboration between the University of Manchester, University of Melbourne, and University of Toronto to investigate the digital communications strategies of hybrid neo-authoritarian empires. I joined the project as a graduate research assistant working with Dr. Jennifer Ross (Toronto), Maksim Markelov (Manchester), and Dr. Dara Conduit (Melbourne) to understand the role of transnational non-state actors as vehicles of neo-imperialism.
Details
My contributions
My work on this project examined how non-state actors, including particularly private contractors and technology firms, have contributed to U.S. government disinformation campaigns (often framed as “influence operations”) aimed at shaping global narratives in favor of U.S. interests. I produced three case studies that illustrate different models of U.S. digital influence operations and their ethical, political, and technical implications:
- Operation Earnest Voice (OEV): A long-running U.S. military initiative that uses fake online personas to covertly influence social media conversations in regions such as the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Originally justified as a counter-extremism effort, OEV relied on persona-management software that allowed military personnel and contractors to control dozens of fabricated identities posting pro-American content in non-English languages. Investigations later revealed that these operations extended onto major platforms like Twitter and Facebook, used AI-generated profile images, posed as independent media outlets, and were quietly supported or protected by platform companies, often with minimal engagement or measurable impact.
- Trans-Regional Web Initiative (TRWI): A U.S. military-run network of seemingly independent news websites designed to promote U.S. geopolitical objectives across multiple global regions. Operating between 2008 and 2014, TRWI produced localized journalism on topics such as security, economic development, and human rights while subtly advancing pro-American narratives and criticizing U.S. adversaries. Despite costing tens of millions of dollars annually and involving major defense contractors, evaluations found limited audience engagement, poor coordination with diplomatic efforts, and significant strategic failures, which led Congress to defund the program. The initiative later resurfaced on social media with reduced transparency about its U.S. government ties.
- ZunZuneo: A covert, U.S.-funded SMS-based social network deployed in Cuba between 2009 and 2012 under the guise of promoting “internet freedom.” Developed through a network of shell companies and contractors, the platform initially distributed non-political content such as sports and weather updates to build trust and scale. Behind the scenes, the U.S. government collected user data, built demographic and political profiles, and gradually introduced more politicized messaging with the goal of catalyzing dissent and collective action. Although ZunZuneo reached tens of thousands of users, it failed to achieve its intended political impact and shut down amid financial and operational challenges, raising serious concerns about surveillance, consent, and foreign interference.
Together, these cases provide a comparative lens on how state power is increasingly exercised through covert digital systems that blur the boundaries between military action, public diplomacy, and information warfare.
Methods
My research employed qualitative document analysis and case-study methodology, drawing on investigative journalism, government procurement records, Freedom of Information Act disclosures, platform transparency reports, and prior academic and policy research. I analyzed these materials to trace how influence operations were designed, implemented, and evaluated, with particular attention to the role of private contractors, digital platforms, and socio-technical infrastructures.
Outcomes
Policy Report
I co-authored a knowledge synthesis and policy report with my colleagues from the University of Toronto and University of Manchester. It was published by the University of Toronto Libraries on January 22, 2025.
Presentation
I presented the case studies from my research at the Beyond Disinformation Symposium, hosted by the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy on October 7-8, 2024.