PrintFriendlyRecently, Germany has passed a law that allows citizenship to be denied to those who criticize Israel on social media or post, like, share or comment on pro-Palestine slogans, such as “From the River to the Sea.” Few days back, USA announced further sanctions against Russian state media network RT and calls on India to ban RT. Consider this and you will find that freedom of expression is very advanced and accepted in India. USA and Germany, which often lecture many countries including India on free speech and freedom of expression and insist that any person should have the full right to express his opinion on the street or on social media, but do not want freedom of expression in its country. This double standard exposes the Western world as to how freedom of expression is being used as a tool of fifth generation warfare (5GW) to serve its strategic and tactical interests in Asian and African countries. Let us understand this in detail;
Freedom of expression is often associated with democratic governance, individual autonomy and social progress. However, in the complex geopolitical landscape of the 21st century, this fundamental right is also being used by powerful nations as a tool to influence and destabilize other nations. Powerful nations know that today’s nuclear-armed world is better suited to proxy wars than direct conflict, and technology is an effective ally in this. This is evident in the recent events of the Western world’s dealings with several Asian & African countries, including India. While promoting democratic values and human rights is often cited as the rationale behind such efforts as progress and equality, freedom of expression is also being strategically used to serve broader geopolitical purposes, including encouraging dissent, weakening governments and influencing political outcomes. I have attempted to examine the weaponization of freedom of expression by the Western world to destabilize Asian countries, including historical, contemporary examples and implications for international relations.
Historical context and strategic use of freedom of expression:
The use of freedom of expression as a geopolitical tool has deep historical roots, often linked to the colonial and post-colonial periods. During the colonial era, Western powers used the narrative of promoting civilization and expression to justify their dominance over Asian regions. Over time, it evolved further, adapting to the changing nature of international relations and technological advancement.
During the colonial period, Western powers selectively promoted freedom of expression to suppress colonial movements and encourage dissent among colonized populations. For example, the British Empire controlled the press in India through stringent laws but also permitted limited expression in order to divide and control the local population. This dual strategy of repression and selective promotion of freedom of expression helped maintain control over the colonies, while also successfully promoting local, factional and ethnic strife within the country.
Cold War Era – A Period of Propaganda and Information Warfare:
During the Cold War, freedom of expression became a major battleground in the ideological struggle between the West and the Soviet bloc. The United States and its allies used radio broadcasts, pamphlets and other media to promote democratic ideals and encourage dissent in communist countries. This period also ushered in a more sophisticated approach to information warfare, where freedom of expression was used as both a principle to defend and a weapon to use.
Contemporary Strategies and the Digital Age:
In the digital age, the use of freedom of expression as a tool for geopolitical influence has become even more pronounced. The internet and social media platforms have increased the reach and impact of such strategies, allowing Western powers to engage directly with foreign publics, bypassing traditional state-controlled media.
Social media platforms such as X, Facebook and YouTube have become important arenas for freedom of expression. However, they have also been used to spread misinformation, amplify dissent and destabilize governments. The United States and the Western world in particular have leveraged these platforms to challenge the legitimacy of governments in Asia and Africa and to promote those supporting opposition movements. For example, social media played a key role in organizing protests during the Arab Spring, the support the world saw from the US to the toolkit gang and Canada to Khalistan under the guise of the farmers’ movement in India, and more recently, the US’s involvement in the overthrow of the ruling government in Bangladesh.
NGOs and media outlets as tools of influence:
Western-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media outlets often play an important role in promoting freedom of expression in Asian countries. Although many of these organizations sincerely advocate for human rights and democracy, they can also be seen as extensions of Western foreign policy interests. For example, funding for some NGOs and media organizations often comes from Western governments, large organizations promoting conversion, or private companies with specific geopolitical agendas. This funding is used to support issues that are in line with Western interests, potentially destabilizing governments that do not conform to Western expectations. After the coup in Bangladesh, Ex PM Sheikh Hasina openly stated that her rule was in the interest of Bangladesh, contrary to US expectations, so the US supported the coup.
Cyber warfare and information manipulation:
Cyber warfare and information manipulation have become increasingly common tactics to influence public opinion in Asian countries. Western intelligence agencies and private agencies are known to engage in cyber activities such as spreading false information, hacking government and media websites, and manipulating social media algorithms to promote specific agendas. Such activities not only undermine trust in domestic institutions but also erode a nation’s sovereignty by creating an environment of uncertainty and fear.
Impact on several Asian countries including India-China:
As the world’s largest democracy, India has often been at the forefront of debates surrounding freedom of expression. While India prides itself on a vibrant press and active civil society, it has also been a target of Western influence efforts. Western media outlets and NGOs have often been critical of the Indian government’s policies on human rights, minority issues, and freedom of expression. Although some of these criticisms are legitimate and necessary, they can also be seen as part of a broader strategy to influence domestic politics and undermine the government’s authority. For example, the recent farmer protests in India received significant international attention and commentary, some of which were seen as an attempt to foment dissent and destabilize the country.
China presents a contrasting case, where the government has taken a more aggressive stance against external influences on freedom of speech. Through the Great Firewall and stringent internet regulations, China has controlled the flow of information and has been effective in controlling Western interference in its national discourse. However, Western media coverage and support for pro-democracy movements in regions such as Hong Kong and Xinjiang have been seen as attempts by the Chinese government to destabilize the region and challenge its sovereignty.
Myanmar’s political landscape has been significantly influenced by the strategic use of freedom of expression. During the Rohingya crisis, Western media and NGOs played a key role in exposing human rights abuses. It also fueled ethnic and religious tensions and contributed to the broader narrative of instability in the country. This was followed by a military coup in 2021.
Implications for International Relations:
The weaponization of freedom of expression by the Western world has important implications for international relations in terms of sovereignty, stability and global governance. The strategic use of freedom of expression challenges sovereignty and the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs, which is a cornerstone of international law. Promoting human rights and democracy is a legitimate goal, but it must be balanced against respect for national sovereignty and the right of states to determine their own political systems. The notion of using freedom of expression as a tool of intervention can undermine trust and cooperation in international relations.
The weaponization of freedom of expression is increasing polarization within and between countries. When Western countries promote certain agendas or support opposition movements of a country, they tend to alienate large sections of the population. This erosion of trust can thus have long-term consequences for diplomatic relations and global stability.
Manipulation of freedom of expression also poses challenges to global governance and multilateralism. As countries increasingly view freedom of expression from a security perspective, international cooperation on issues such as cyber security, internet governance and human rights is becoming more difficult. The rise of digital authoritarianism, where many countries adopt restrictive measures to counter perceived external threats, is further complicating efforts to establish common norms and standards.
Given the complexities and the potential for unintended consequences, promoting freedom of expression in foreign contexts requires caution and nuance.
Responsible use of freedom of expression:
Countries must promote freedom of expression responsibly, recognizing the potential for instability and conflict. This requires supporting local leadership and civil society organizations that genuinely represent the interests of their communities. It also means being mindful of the cultural and political context in which they operate, and avoiding actions that could be seen as interference.
There must be greater dialogue and mutual understanding between Western and Asian countries to address the challenges posed by the weaponisation of freedom of expression. This includes acknowledging governments’ legitimate concerns about national security and stability while also advocating for the protection of human rights. Rather than confrontation, constructive engagement is a more balanced and cooperative approach to freedom of expression.
There is a need to strengthen international norms and standards regarding freedom of expression and its role in international relations. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right that is the foundation of democratic societies and global human rights. However, in the context of geopolitical competition and the digital age, it has also become a powerful tool for influence and destabilization. The Western world’s use of free speech to promote its values and interests in Asia and Africa has raised important questions about sovereignty, sustainability and the ethical use of this right. By taking a more responsible and nuanced approach, the international community can ensure that freedom of expression serves as a force for positive change, not as a weapon of destabilization.