University
Old Dominion University
Country
United States of America
Document Type
Conference Paper
Description/Abstract
This essay explores the increasing prevalence and impact of truth subversion on the liberal international order (LIO). It examines how modern disinformation campaigns seek to undermine shared epistemological foundations critical for international cooperation, and looks to answer the question: what impact does truth subversion have on international order? Furthermore, it investigates how truth subversion creates uncertainty, challenges alliances, and exacerbates security dilemmas. The essay identifies four core truth subversion tactics: disinformation, double speak, conspiracy theories, and flooding, and applies them to the 2014 Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 tragedy, where Russian actors employed these techniques to distort facts, challenge investigative findings, and propagate conflicting narratives. Finally, the essay argues that while truth subversion often fails to achieve strategic goals outright, it poses a significant risk to international stability by eroding trust in communication and cooperation. The paper concludes with a call to counteract these tactics proactively, emphasizing the resilience of the LIO as its strength.
Keywords
Disinformation, Liberal international order, Truth subversion
Disciplines
Defense and Security Studies | International Relations | Social Influence and Political Communication
DOI
10.25776/1nhf-d943
Session Title
Global Security, Truth Subversion, & Geopolitical Challenges
Location
Chesapeake Room, ODU Webb Center
Start Date
3-21-2025 10:50 AM
End Date
3-2025 12:00 PM
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Included in
Defense and Security Studies Commons, International Relations Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons
Truth Subversion and the Challenges to International Order
Chesapeake Room, ODU Webb Center
This essay explores the increasing prevalence and impact of truth subversion on the liberal international order (LIO). It examines how modern disinformation campaigns seek to undermine shared epistemological foundations critical for international cooperation, and looks to answer the question: what impact does truth subversion have on international order? Furthermore, it investigates how truth subversion creates uncertainty, challenges alliances, and exacerbates security dilemmas. The essay identifies four core truth subversion tactics: disinformation, double speak, conspiracy theories, and flooding, and applies them to the 2014 Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 tragedy, where Russian actors employed these techniques to distort facts, challenge investigative findings, and propagate conflicting narratives. Finally, the essay argues that while truth subversion often fails to achieve strategic goals outright, it poses a significant risk to international stability by eroding trust in communication and cooperation. The paper concludes with a call to counteract these tactics proactively, emphasizing the resilience of the LIO as its strength.