Democratic Backsliding: Case Study on The Effects of Misinformation in the US and China

Disinformation campaigns have seen an increase across the globe for some time now. While the process has allowed plurality to the voices linked to the capability these channels provide for activism, technologies, such as social media, have created new vulnerabilities. This paper focuses on how populist leaders use misinformation and what they focus on gaining or accomplishing through the practice. For this, a case study is comprised highliting how two of the most powerful figures in modern history have used misinformation for personal and political gain. We look at Donald Trump, the President of the United States, and Xi Jinping, who is said to, over the years, have used misinformation campaigns to be the most prominent and undisputed leader of China. This study’s findings show that disinformation is a tool used for manipulation by both leaders, creating an illusion of them being the best option as a leader while discrediting anyone else. This study is critical for the future as we have seen that the development of technology is often the main driver behind the spread of disinformation, and with the growth of new technology like Artificial Intelligence and the increased spending by China on these technologies along with the development of different media platform by Trump would mean disinformation might not be wholly irradicated