As overwhelming as it is, the counter-intuitive move by the United States away from democracy has been coming for a long time. It is also common knowledge in the cyber industry that the gap between the public’s use of technology and their understanding of it is increasing. Is this the underpinning vulnerability, which has allowed digital subversion to overthrow democratically elected governments?
To unpack this seemingly insignificant fact, let’s look at what’s happening in our democratic world of today. Elon Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion dollars in 2022. Despite his success in other ventures like Tesla and SpaceX, he proceeded with no background in media management. He has, however, tweeted since 2009.
From Social Media to Social Mayhem
In the months following Musk’s takeover, his obsessive nature became unusually focused on Twitter, now X. Musk had overpaid for a service platform that was nowhere near as profitable as the ventures has was renowned for. Before long, his likable public presence descended into authoritarian rabble rousing. We, in European democracies, watched in confusion, and then disgust.
As time passed, his resume darkened as he platformed with Trump in the 2024 US Presidential elections. He also targeted German elections with incendiary far-right disinformation, and attacked UK democracy itself by calling for insurrection. The UK security services reacted for national security reasons. They are now are monitoring his online posting content, along with others.
From Digital Subversion to Manufactured Revolution
There are powerful forces out there who have self-serving interests, which are contrary to the conceptual ideas that make up democracy. Elon Musk may even believe in his own lies. Such behavior makes facts no less true, or affecting for the rest of us.
Managed disinformation swamps like (Twitter) X now serve the interests of anti-democratic forces. From what I can see, these digital authoritarians fear the potential power of people using social media. Most importantly, social media companies operate transnational platforms, providing convenient and critical access.
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The mafia and digital authoritarians are alike. The similarities include the manipulation of fear and anger to achieve their goals. Digital authoritarianism scales far past organized crime because of its access to target populations. Since its international debut in Egypt in 2013, digital subversion has gone through potent upgrades as part of a hybrid warfare strategy.
Trump Regime Victory Inspires European Conquest
Some pundits will shy away from the relationship Trump has with Russian intelligence services. Their digital subversion campaigns manufacturing his MAGA army over years was subtle, yet alarming. Once again, truth shines a light on a cosy relationship that is now formalized as the Trump administration retreats from Russian cybercrime as a priority.
Russian success in placing the Trump regime in power is no longer a key focus. Their inability to subvert European nations creates strategic problems for this new form of conquest. We in Europe are now reacting to their meddlesome treachery. European culture and experience are key obstacles to Russian plans and that of her partners.
Europe Reacts
The process which worked so well in the United States and elsewhere cannot prevail against an ingrained culture supporting critical analysis and independent thinking. A predicable Russian reaction to this is to escalate in violence as a show of power. European expulsion of Russia’s spy network saw 450 deportations, but they rebuilt using surrogates.
They also have a powerful advocate in the White House who praises Russia, as the rogue state launches attacks on US allies in Europe. Lessor trained, but more committed operatives working the Russian agenda will do more, with less, and for less. This has seen criminals, indoctrinated fools, and organized crime drafted into the service of Russia, and her like-minded partners.
Let’s Subvert Digital Subversion
Many believe the hammer of accountability will fall on these people, but few understand the proxy nature of their enlistment, their commitment, and the calculation in the provision of support structures. European security services adequately responded to these initial shadow war attacks. This is only the beginning, as our new adversary shows us its hand and its intent.
Societies integrating social media platforms into the public discourse are now dealing with manufactured subversion, which spills over to our streets. Men like Elon Musk commit fortunes to the destruction of democracy, even at the cost of their own ventures. What motivates them?
The scope of this transnational alliance of like-minded authoritarians is wide and layered. We must meet this layered threat as a transnational response of like-minded allies. Our unity is their greatest fear. Let us take back the initiative and make them afraid once more. If we defeat their trickery, their warships will never darken our shores.
About the Author
As I move onto my next authoring project, I will post less frequently on the real-world issues linked to my novel, From Terror to Valor: Echoes and Shadows. My next project, Hindsight Station, will initially be a progression science fiction, web-novel delivered via Patreon and eventually Royal Road.
John is a versatile author known for his gripping fiction narratives in the thriller, action, and suspense genres. With a background as a journalist since 2016, and expertise in cloud technologies as an engineer; John brings a unique blend of storytelling prowess and technical acumen to his work.
