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Springing the ‘Tacitus Trap’: countering Chinese state-sponsored disinformation

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  • Jesse S. Curtis

Abstract

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is waging a disinformation campaign against the U.S.-led international system. China uses disinformation to translate its economic power into Great Power prestige and to suppress external and internal criticism of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Both objectives are intended to bolster the domestic legitimacy of the party and enhance social stability. By linking stability and prestige with economic expansion, the CCP hopes to avoid the ‘Tacitus Trap’ – an existential legitimacy crisis caused by losing the confidence of the people. As a third function, disinformation also obscures Beijing’s efforts to influence and manipulate foreign policies of global actors with respect to China, thus undermining international transparency and the democratic structures and processes of target states. The U.S. response has been ad hoc and reactive, therefore ineffectual.

Suggested Citation

  • Jesse S. Curtis, 2021. "Springing the ‘Tacitus Trap’: countering Chinese state-sponsored disinformation," Small Wars and Insurgencies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(2), pages 229-265, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:fswixx:v:32:y:2021:i:2:p:229-265
    DOI: 10.1080/09592318.2021.1870429
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