In her New York Times guest essay, Jessica Brandt examines how Iran is using trolling, memes, satire, and AI-generated content as increasingly effective tools in its information campaign against the United States. Rather than relying solely on traditional propaganda or covert disinformation, Iranian officials and aligned accounts have embraced culturally savvy online content designed to ridicule U.S. power, capitalize on political divisions, and shape public perceptions of the conflict. Brandt argues that these tactics present a particular challenge because traditional responses—such as fact-checking, deepfake detection, sanctions, and content labeling—are poorly suited to countering openly produced humor and satire.
Brandt argues that the United States needs a more sophisticated response: strengthening real-time intelligence on foreign influence operations, disrupting covert networks where possible, using truthful information to expose repression, and rebuilding American soft power and public-service media capabilities. Iran’s strategy offers a broader warning about how AI and internet culture are changing modern influence operations—and how other adversaries may adopt similar tactics.
With deep expertise in foreign influence, emerging technology, and national security, Jessica Brandt helps audiences understand how AI and digital platforms are reshaping geopolitical competition and the global information environment. To learn more about hosting Jessica Brandt, contact WWSG.
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