Commissioned by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation For Freedom Malaysia in late 2025, as part of a Study on Perceptions of Geopolitics and Regional Issues, this dedicated CRC report examines how Chinese and Russian influence affects Malaysia’s digital information environment and public opinion. The report integrates the results of two recent national surveys, narrative intelligence findings, and a media environment analysis.

The Iran War (Operation Epic Fury) has redefined modern conflict, revealing how cyber operations and influence campaigns, collectively termed "cyfluence", now function as primary offensive tools alongside military force. From the hijacking of a prayer app to broadcast takeovers and AI-generated deepfakes, the war demonstrates that shaping perception has become as strategically vital as controlling territory.

CRC researchers have identified an emerging coordinated influence network targeting English-language discourse on the South China Sea. The network combines Chinese state-affiliated institutions, researchers, and inauthentic social media accounts to promote pro-PRC narratives. With ~35% bot-like amplifiers and activity surging around key regional events, the campaign shows clear signs of centralized coordination in its early establishment stages.

This study examines the complex dynamics of pro-Palestine mobilization at Columbia University post-October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. It uses the Cyfluence Secuitry Paradigm and a multi-descipline approach to track how grassroots activism, digital framing and amplification, and persistent hostile influence threats shaped and drove narratives and on-campus mobilization. This is a granular deep-dive into next-gen hybrid cognitive threats and their potential impact on U.S. soc

The prelude and opening stages of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine were one of history's most intense periods of hostile cyber and influence activity. This study examines the conflict's information dimension from late 2021 to April 2022 via a novel analytical paradigm adapted from strategic marketing and audience segmentation.

Our latest research examines a nefarious attack on the French luxury industry that should be a stark warning to all industries and corporations of how the threat landscape in the economic realm is rapidly evolving.

The Romanian Presidential Elections 2024: Analysis of Information Operations and Long-term influence Efforts: On November 24, 2024,...

Cyber influence operations increasingly target financial systems, supply chains, and intellectual property.

The Rise of AI and What It Means in the Realm of Digital Influence Author: Florian Frank In recent years, AIs have achieved a level of sophistication previously unimaginable in such a short time frame. AI is now utilized in virtually every field, from building webpages and creating text to intelligence gathering, design, and medicine. The impact of AI on the economy and society is profound and far-reaching. Although it's crucial to highlight the numerous benefits AIs bring to

Introduction Executive Summary In the fourth part of our ongoing series on Chinese Influence in Southeast Asia, our Focus shifts to Malaysia. As with all papers in this series, the aim is to create a foundation upon which more detailed research can be conducted in the form of specific case studies. Numerous factors contribute to Malaysia being a focal point for influence operations. The nation boasts the fifth largest economy in Southeast Asia, representing approximately 12%

Introduction Executive Summary In the third part of our ongoing series on Chinese digital influence in Southeast Asia our focus is on the Philippines. The aim of this paper is to create a foundation on which more detailed research can be conducted as specific case studies. With increasing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea more research is urgently needed on Chinese influence operations targeting both the Philippines and the discourse around the

Introduction Executive Summary In the second part of our ongoing series on Chinese digital influence in Southeast Asia we are taking a closer look at Indonesia. Indonesia has the largest population and economy in Southeast Asia and is the most populous Islamic country in the world. It boasts large deposits of natural resources such as oil, gas, nickel, gold, tin, and copper. It is one of the largest agricultural exporters in the world with nearly 30% of the land in the countr

Introduction Executive Summary In the fourth part of our ongoing series on Chinese Influence in Southeast Asia, our Focus shifts to Malaysia. As with all papers in this series, the aim is to create a foundation upon which more detailed research can be conducted in the form of specific case studies. Numerous factors contribute to Malaysia being a focal point for influence operations. The nation boasts the fifth largest economy in Southeast Asia, representing approximately 12%