Hybrid CoE Paper 29 Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping how state actors conduct foreign information manipulation. This Hybrid CoE Paper examines how China and Russia integrate AI into their information manipulation strategies, national capability development and operational practices.
The paper shows that China’s advanced domestic AI ecosystem enables state linked actors to use AI tools for tailored content generation, large scale monitoring and targeting foreign audiences. Russia, by contrast, has more limited national AI capabilities but relies extensively on widely available tools to enhance and amplify established information manipulation tactics. The analysis highlights that both countries use AI primarily to augment rather than replace existing approaches, while emerging developments, including agentic AI, may further increase the scale and adaptability of information manipulation.
The paper concludes by outlining policy implications for the Euro Atlantic community, emphasizing cross sectoral cooperation and improved capacity to counter AI enabled hybrid influence activities.
