Published on: 2025-03-18

Intelligence Report: Dismantling VOA could lead to dominance of anti-US propaganda director says – CBS News

1. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

The dismantling of Voice of America (VOA) could significantly weaken the United States’ soft power and allow adversaries to dominate global narratives with anti-American propaganda. This strategic shift may lead to increased influence from countries like China and Russia, posing a threat to national security and global stability. Immediate actions are recommended to preserve VOA’s operations and mitigate potential risks.

2. Detailed Analysis

The following structured analytic techniques have been applied for this analysis:

General Analysis

The decision to dismantle VOA, as indicated by recent executive actions, could lead to a vacuum in international broadcasting that adversaries may exploit. VOA has historically served as a counterbalance to disinformation from authoritarian regimes. The removal of this platform could embolden these regimes to spread anti-American narratives unchallenged. The analysis indicates that VOA’s role in providing unbiased and objective news is critical in regions lacking free press, thus its removal could destabilize these areas further.

3. Implications and Strategic Risks

The potential cessation of VOA operations poses several risks:

• National Security: Reduced capacity to counter disinformation from adversarial states, potentially leading to increased influence of anti-US narratives.
• Regional Stability: Countries with limited press freedom may experience increased authoritarian control without VOA’s counter-narratives.
• Economic Interests: The spread of disinformation could impact international perceptions of US economic policies and partnerships.

4. Recommendations and Outlook

Recommendations:

• Reevaluate the decision to dismantle VOA, considering its strategic importance in global information warfare.
• Enhance VOA’s capabilities through technological upgrades and increased funding to counter emerging disinformation threats.
• Implement regulatory measures to ensure the continuity of unbiased and objective international broadcasting.

Outlook:

Best-case Scenario: VOA operations are preserved and strengthened, maintaining US influence in global narratives and countering disinformation effectively.

Worst-case Scenario: VOA is dismantled, leading to a surge in anti-US propaganda and weakened US influence in strategic regions.

Most Likely Outcome: Partial dismantling of VOA, resulting in reduced capacity to counter disinformation, but with potential for future restoration based on geopolitical developments.

5. Key Individuals and Entities

The report mentions significant individuals and organizations:

• Michael Abramowitz
• Donald Trump
• Voice of America (VOA)