The U.S. is underestimating Russia’s aggression on several fronts, including in its use of propaganda and disinformation to sway public opinion globally, according to a Pentagon white paper shared with Politico.
The "Strategic Multilayer Assessment," which details national security threats posed by Russia, recommends U.S. intervention in Moscow’s provocative activities in order to avoid political warfare.
"In this environment, economic competition, influence campaigns, paramilitary actions, cyber intrusions, and political warfare will likely become more prevalent," Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko, the Joint Chiefs' deputy director for global operations, writes in the preface to the report.
"Such confrontations increase the risk of misperception and miscalculation, between powers with significant military strength, which may then increase the risk of armed conflict."
The study addresses Russia’s “gray zone” activities, described as attempts by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime to undermine democratic nations.
"These activities include threatening other states militarily, or compromising their societies, economies, and governments by employing a range of means and methods to include propaganda, disinformation, and cultural, religious, and energy coercion," Jason Werchan, a Strategy Program Manager in the U.S. European Command, the military headquarters responsible for deterring the Russian military, in one chapter.
The study also details Russia’s energy priorities worldwide, its activity in Latin America to create economic and military footholds and its focus on securing access for northern shipping routes and energy extraction. Additionally, it says Russia has expanded its engagements in Africa in recent years "in response to perceived opportunities to access natural resources, expand weapons sales, and elevate its geopolitical posture in a region with rapidly developing emerging markets and considerable promise for growth and trade."
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