What Are We Looking For? Measuring PRC Influence & Information Campaigns

• In Event: Varieties and Challenges in Political Participation in an Age of Misinformation

Abstract

Multiple states in Southeast Asia reported influence efforts by the PRC in recent years, whether this has to do with supporting politicians and influencers, mobilizing businesses and overseas Chinese communities to lobby, or trying to shape media narratives. Yet, lobbying and winning over public opinion is also part of the regular work of states, corporations, and even NGOs.

Focusing on PRC activity can at times trigger divisive anti-Chinese sentiment in host societies, particularly in Southeast Asia. How should researchers, journalists, civil society, and policymakers understand and manage engagement with the PRC to provide for security while allowing for regular exchanges and avoiding abuses? What can be learnt from engagement with the the PRC and PRC influence campaigns around the world? Are there patterns and commonalities to observe? Is it possible to learn from other engagement efforts in the midst of tense relations and other political influence efforts both in the contemporary period and in the past?

Given relatively limited attempts to systematically compare experiences to more precisely categorise and measure different forms of PRC influence, information campaigns, and engagement, especially across the domains of academic research, investigative journalism, activism, and policymaking. Such deficiencies may open the way for confusion, less effective handling of potential threats, and even human rights abuses.

Discrimination and excessive responses may even be manipulated by malign actors from the PRC to foster greater divisiveness in politics and society. This paper proposes to examine approaches to measuring and classifying PRC influence, information, and engagement activities in Southeast Asia with the aim of identifying and addressing shortcomings and deficiencies in current approaches undertaken by states, media, and academic researchers.

Author

• Ja Ian Chong, National University of Singapore