Three Dangerous Men: Russia, China, Iran and the Rise of Irregular Warfare

by Seth G. Jones

The United States needs to wage offensive information operations against China, Russia, and Iran to advance US interests and deter its adversaries from aggressive actions.

First, US efforts should be based, in part, on leveraging US democratic strengths and encouraging reforms in Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran.

Second, the United States and its partners should proactively highlight examples of malign activity, human rights abuses, and corruption by its adversaries.

During the Cold War, irregular warfare involved taking risks.

While it is important to weigh the pros and cons of specific actions, the United States would never have succeeded in undermining Soviet power and influence without taking prudent risks that exploited its adversary’s vulnerabilities.

Third, offensive operations require leveraging defectors, émigrés, and dissidents from China, Russia, and Iran—including intellectuals and scientists—for information campaigns.