The global strategy behind political polarization | Anatomy of Disinformation

In this episode of Anatomy of Disinformation, hosted by Maia Mazurkiewicz:

Polarization is no longer just a political phenomenon. Influence operations, disinformation campaigns, and foreign actors are increasingly exploiting existing social divisions, fears, and distrust to shape public opinion and weaken democratic institutions.

Adam Fivenson – Research Fellow at the American University’s Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology – examines how information manipulation is affecting elections and democratic processes in regions such as Latin America. Drawing on recent developments in Peru, he explains how foreign influence, AI-powered manipulation, and declining support for information integrity initiatives are reshaping the global information environment.

We are also joined by Thobile Chittenden, Network Co-Lead at the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, who discusses the challenges of polarization in South Africa. She explains how inequality, xenophobia, historical divisions, and online disinformation interact and why community building, education, critical thinking, and social trust remain essential tools for strengthening resilience.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Polarization around the world
01:27 Interview 1: Peru’s volatile political landscape & election manipulation
02:57 Interview 1: Foreign influence narratives in Peru
05:01 Interview 1: Public awareness, shifting U.S. support & regional implications
08:24 Interview 1: Building democratic partnerships & moving from research to action
10:48 Case Study: Disinformation in Venezuela
14:50 Interview 2: Community solidarity amid historical wounds in South Africa
16:44 Interview 2: The challenges & and ways to address them
20:51 Interview 2: Systemic responses & civil society efforts

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#InfluenceOperations #Polarization #Democracy