Mapping Communication Hijacking in the Asia-Pacific: Data-Driven Insights into Disinformation Networks
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Authors
Santacaterina, Donald
Eerhart, Daniel
Brown, Jason
Nelson, Alex
Murphy, Brian
Issue Date
2026-04
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Abstract
This study investigates "communication hijacking"—the strategic co-option and redirection of online discourse—by PRC-sponsored actors within the Asia-Pacific information environment. Using a novel seven-level framework (Persona, Hashtag, Media, Narrative, Campaign, Brand, and Newsjacking), the research categorizes diverse influence activities, including efforts to diminish organizational or individual reputation and exploit real-time media events. Through a multilingual, open-source analysis of data from 2021 to 2024, the study identifies specific hijacking cases that utilize coordinated inauthentic behavior (CIB) and synthetic amplification. While finding a preference for creating inauthentic news outlets over direct media hijacking, the research reveals that PRC-sponsored operations use persona-level attacks to target dissidents whereas campaign-level efforts focus on broader objectives like electoral interference. By mapping these tactics, the study provides a taxonomic foundation for communication practitioners in business, government, and the military—particularly those engaged in cognitive warfare and military Operations in the Information Environment (OIE)—to better understand and detect the evolution of digital interference and disinformation practices.
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Citation
Santacaterina, Donald, Maj. Daniel Eerhart, Lt. Col. Jason C. Brown, Alex Nelson, and Brian Murphy. “Mapping Communication Hijacking in the Asia‑Pacific: Data‑Driven Insights into Disinformation Networks.” The Cyber Defense Review 11, no. 1 (2026): 163–192. https://cyberdefensereview.army.mil/Portals/6/Documents/2026-vol11-iss1/CDR_V11_N1_Full_Issue.pdf.
Publisher
West Point Press - Cyber Defense Review
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ISSN
2474-2120