Defending Democratic Institutions

Countering Adversary Attacks on Fundamental Institutions of Democracy

The Defending Democratic Institutions (DDI) project was established to better understand, and develop recommendations to counter foreign efforts to disrupt democracy and exacerbate public distrust of democratic institutions via cyber and information operations. A key focus of this initiative is on information operations undermining Americans’ trust in the justice system, to include judges, prosecutors, and the rule of law. In addition, this initiative focuses on building national resilience through the reinvigoration of civics education, at all ages, as a national security imperative.

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Suzanne Spaulding

Suzanne Spaulding

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Bandwidth Is the New Water

COVID-19 is exposing the extent to which online connectivity has become a societal necessity. But as more and more individuals across the country are forced to stay home, can networks withstand a constant and simultaneous coronavirus-induced strain on the internet?

Commentary by Devi Nair — March 31, 2020

Why the Kremlin Targets Veterans

CSIS’s Defending Democratic Institutions team analyzes the growing threat of disinformation operations targeting U.S. veterans. This commentary covers attacks by Russia via social media and recommendations for defending against future attacks.

Commentary by Suzanne Spaulding, Devi Nair, Alexandra Huber, and Jason Gresh — November 8, 2019

Democracy and Justice in the Age of Disinformation

Please join the Defending Democratic Institutions (DDI) project this law day for the launch of our newest report Beyond the Ballot: How the Kremlin Works to Undermine the U.S. Justice System.

Event — May 1, 2019

Russia’s Attacks on Democratic Justice Systems

This CSIS interactive report by the Defending Democratic Institutions Project investigates the potential consequences of Russian disinformation operations on justice systems around the world.

Report by Suzanne Spaulding, Devi Nair, and Arthur Nelson — May 1, 2019