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Memes in US Government Influence Campaigns

/analyses/2018/04/memes-in-us-government-influence-campaigns

The term meme was coined in 1976 by Richard Dawkins to explore the ways in which ideas spread between people. With the introduction of the internet, the term has evolved to refer to culturally resonant material—a funny picture, an amusing video, a rallying hashtag—spread online, primarily via social media. This CNA self-initiated exploratory study examines memes and the role that memetic engagement can play in U.S. government (USG) influence campaigns. We define meme as “a culturally resonant item easily shared or spread online,” and develop an epidemiological model of inoculate / infect / treat to classify and analyze ways in which memes have been effectively used in the online information environment. Further, drawing from our discussions with subject matter experts, we make preliminary observations and identify areas for future research on the ways that memes and memetic engagement may be used as part of USG influence campaigns.

Great Power Competition in the Indian Ocean

/analyses/2018/03/great-power-competition-in-the-indian-ocean

U.S. Navy planners should assume that the PLA Navy’s presence in the western Indian Ocean will grow, and that new bases and places will be organized to support its expanded presence. U.S. authorities can no longer assume unencumbered freedom of action when electing to posture U.S. naval forces offshore of the Horn of Africa and other East African hotspots. If China’s interests are involved and differ from Washington’s, the Chinese could dispatch their own naval forces to the water offshore of the country in question. The U.S. Navy faced similar circumstances between 1968 and 1991, when the United States and the Soviet Union competed for friends, political influence, maritime access, and bases in the western Indian Ocean region. This paper briefly discusses this period in order to provide some historical context for what might occur in the future. As Mark Twain purportedly quipped, “History does not repeat, but it often rhymes.”

Redefining Human Control

/analyses/2018/03/redefining-human-control

This report examines the issue of human control with regard to lethal autonomy, an issue of significant interest in United Nations discussions in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) forum. We analyze this issue in light of lessons and best practices from recent U.S. operations. Based on this analysis, we make the case for a wider framework for the application of human control over the use of force. This report recommends that CCW discussions currently focusing on process considerations, such as human control, should instead focus on outcome—namely, mitigation of inadvertent engagements. This allows consideration of a more complete set of benefits and risks of lethal autonomy and better management of risks. The report also describes best practices that can collectively serve as a safety net for the use of lethal autonomous weapons. It concludes with concrete recommendations for how the international community can more effectively address the risk of inadvertent engagements from lethal autonomy.

Mapping Russian Media Network

/analyses/2018/01/mapping-russian-media-network

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has used media as an important instrument and lever of influence. The role of media in promoting Russian foreign policy and exerting the influence of President Vladimir Putin has become increasingly visible since the conflict Ukraine and other domestic and international confrontations began. CNA has undertaken an effort to map the Russian media environment and examine Russian decision-making as it relates to the media. This report provides an overview of the role that the media plays in Russian foreign policy. Specifically, we examine Russia’s media environment, Russia’s decision- making related to media and messaging, including the drivers and boundaries of that decision-making. We evaluate the role of Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, and finally, we examine the role that Russia’s media and messaging plays in external influence. In addition, we highlight that while media is a key instrument of influence, culture, politics, and business are also important in broader Russian influence efforts abroad. Furthermore, this report outlines the way that decision-making and messaging is carried out by Vladimir Putin and his closest advisors through a series of scenarios that range from crisis to steady state. Finally, we provide overarching takeaways for policy makers and the international community to consider in understanding Russia’s media environment and Russian decision-making in the media.

Supply Chain Resilience and the 2017 Hurricane Season

/analyses/2018/01/supply-chain-resilience-and-the-2017-hurricane-season

CNA assessed post-hurricane supply chain resilience of food, fuel, water, and medical supplies through government disaster relief and the private sector.

Hurricane Irma After Action Report

/analyses/2018/01/hurricane-irma-after-action-report

The organizational structure for emergency evacuation and response within Pinellas County is a well-developed collaboration between the county, 24 cities, law enforcement, fire services, and hundreds of community partners and agencies. For large-scale events or incidents, the primary agencies and partners form a Response Operations Coordination (ROC) group to discuss scenarios and operational concerns and to plan implementation and timing of emergency actions. In response to a hurricane, the ROC group holds an initial meeting once the county enters the three-day forecast cone, the anticipated path of the storm. The group then meets—in person or virtually—every six hours as new hurricane advisories are issued. The ROC also meets in the aftermath of a storm to promote information-sharing among all area partners.

Resources and Force Readiness Division

/quick-looks/2025/12/resources-and-force-readiness-division

Resources and Force Readiness Division provides analysis for resource allocation problems facing the Navy, Marine Corps, and other Department of War components.

How Do You Do: A CNA Facilitation Training Game

/quick-looks/2025/12/how-do-you-do

In “How Do You Do?,” participants are given a “mundane activity”and they must tell what it looks like to perform that activity.

Affiliation Instead of Loneness: Rethinking the “Lone Wolf” Typology

/quick-looks/2025/12/affiliation-instead-of-loneness

This report introduces a new approach to analyze the degree of affiliation among domestic terrorists in the United States.

Focused Deterrence with CNA: Empowering Police Departments and Communities for Effective Crime Reduction

/quick-looks/2025/12/focused-deterrence-with-cna

CNA’s focused deterrence services have a proven track-record of enhancing crime reduction.