Alliance for Securing Democracy

Alliance for Securing Democracy. It is a transatlantic initiative housed within The German Marshall Fund of the United States dedicated to analyzing and countering threats to democratic institutions from authoritarian states. Launched in 2017, the project focuses on understanding and exposing covert interference tactics used by actors like Russia, China, and Iran. Its work involves research, public analysis, and providing policy recommendations to governments, civil society, and the private sector across North America and Europe.

Background and establishment

The initiative was founded in July 2017 amid heightened concerns over foreign interference following the 2016 United States elections and revelations about Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. Its creation was a direct response to the activities of the Internet Research Agency and the broader influence operations attributed to the Government of Russia. Key founding figures included former Central Intelligence Agency officer Mike Morell and former National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster, who served on its initial advisory council. The project was established under the umbrella of the non-partisan The German Marshall Fund of the United States, an organization with deep roots in fostering Transatlantic relations since the post-World War II era.

Mission and objectives

Its core mission is to protect democratic institutions and processes from authoritarian manipulation by conducting rigorous research and advocating for defensive policies. Primary objectives include documenting and exposing malign financial influence, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the exploitation of economic dependencies. The initiative aims to build resilience within democratic societies by providing actionable analysis to policymakers in NATO member states, officials in the European Union, and leaders in the United States Congress. A key focus is on understanding the interconnected nature of threats emanating from Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran.

Structure and leadership

The project operates as a dedicated team of analysts and advisors within the larger structure of The German Marshall Fund of the United States. It is led by a director, with notable past leadership including Laura Rosenberger, who previously served on the National Security Council under the Obama administration. The team consists of experts with backgrounds in intelligence, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, diplomacy, and cybersecurity. It is guided by a bipartisan advisory council featuring prominent figures like former United States Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul and former Republican Party (United States) congressman Mike Rogers (Michigan politician).

Activities and research focus

A major activity was the creation and maintenance of the Hamilton 68 dashboard, a tool launched in 2017 that tracked suspected Russian propaganda networks on social media platforms like Twitter. Its research publications extensively analyze topics such as Chinese influence operations in Australia and Europe, covert financing of political movements, and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. The team regularly briefs legislative bodies including the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and provides testimony before the European Parliament. It also organizes events and workshops with partners like the Alliance of Democracies Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Reception and criticism

The initiative has been cited as an authoritative source by major media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, and its analysts frequently appear before committees of the United States House of Representatives. However, it has faced criticism from some scholars and commentators, including from The Nation magazine, who have questioned the methodology of the Hamilton 68 dashboard and alleged a focus that overemphasizes Russia while underplaying domestic sources of disinformation. Some critics, such as those associated with The American Conservative, have accused it of promoting a neo-Cold War mindset. Supporters, including members of the Atlantic Council, argue its work is vital for exposing threats like Chinese Communist Party influence networks targeting academic institutions.

Category:Political and economic think tanks based in Washington, D.C. Category:Organizations established in 2017