Social networks as an instrument of PSYOP in foreign policy: challenge for the national security

Abstract

The object of this research is the process of creating political discourse, setting the “agenda” via social media as foreign policy instrument and a threat to national security of the country. The article explores the role of the online platform in shaping public opinion and discourse in political interests. The subject of this research is the social media (social networks, video and image hosting services, blogs, etc.) Particular attention is given to structurization of the concept of social media, social networks as the instruments that form social reality and affect public opinion. Emphasis is placed on the technical aspects of the types of social networks, control, thereof. Comparative analysis is conducted on the practice of using Internet resources in China, and experience of creating the Golden Shield Project. The scientific novelty of consists in the cross-scientific analysis on the basis of the interpretive pattern of social constructionism, what distinguishes this work from the vast majority of similar research of dedicated to the use of social media as an instrument of political technologies and PSYOP. Being a cross-scientific analysis at the intersection of IT (information technology), international relations (political science), and social psychology, the study leans on the theoretical concepts of political realism and neorealism, psychological constructivism and behavioral psychology. The author underlines the importance of comprehensive approach towards leveling the potential threats of using social media as an instrument of PSYOP. First and foremost, it pertains to the development of a coherent all-encompassing system with ideological and value foundation for creating the discourse. The article describes the relevant approaches towards the “sovereign Internet"; carries out comparative analysis of the Chinese experience and Russian ineffective initiatives, such as blocking separately resources, shortage of public-private partnership in the IT sector (by analogy with the extremely successful experience of China in this sphere). The author offers a general frame of possible steps on ensuring national security in the online platform of social media.