Analysis of Concepts, Categories, and Methods
Edward J. Barss · 2022
Methods of interference are summarized and analyzed in this chapter by extrapolating from each of the three case histories. Insights from these cases are put into context using frameworks used in the earlier part of the work to show how China’s interference methods affect electoral outcomes, electoral processes, and party policy positions. Methods that are covert and difficult to detect are also examined to discover indicators useful for detecting future election interference events. Most often, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) utilizes organized crime figures, business people, and politicians to influence Taiwan’s domestic politics through lobbying, negotiation, or public events. Additionally, it is found the CCP tends to replicate domestic methods of control in its electoral interference, which is a valuable insight for further exploration in other contexts. Overall, the analysis demonstrates that the CCP has favoured a strategy of using elites to shift voter opinions paired with the development of a parallel cross-strait network outside of formal cross-strait diplomatic structures. A list of each method of election interference and a description of how they have been used is also provided.