On November 10, 2024, Shinano Mainichi Shimbun published the article “Division and Chaos in the United States: Exacerbated by Other Countries” written by Professor Maiko Ichihara. In the article, Professor Ichihara first identified the major foreign actors interfering in the recent presidential election: Russia, Iran, and China. She noted that while each country had different motives, they shared a common goal of exacerbating divisions within American society, fostering distrust, and creating social chaos. She explained that in contrast to Russia, which primarily targeted the Harris campaign, Iran focused its efforts on attacking the Trump campaign. Analyzing the final stages of the election, she pointed out that while experts believe that foreign interference did not significantly affect the outcome of the election itself, disinformation campaigns, particularly those related to Israel’s Gaza offensive, may have contributed to an increase in protest votes against the current administration. Finally, Professor Ichihara expressed concern that the Republican Party’s frequent opposition to counter-disinformation measures could lead to the further spread of disinformation in American society, including interference by foreign actors.

https://www.shinmai.co.jp/news/article/CNTS2024111000082