Money Talks and Hunger Walks: Buying Down State-Actor Influence Risk

by Tom Johansmeyer, a PhD candidate in international conflict analysis at the University of Kent. When natural disasters strike, foreign actors often exploit food insecurity to spread disinformation and influence vulnerable populations. In this episode, Tom Johansmeyer proposes an innovative solution: parametric insurance that provides rapid economic relief to affected communities. Learn how this financial tool could help counter foreign influence operations while delivering humanitarian aid to those who need it most. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official position of the Irregular Warfare Initiative, Princeton University’s Empirical Studies of Conflict Project, the Modern War Institute at West Point, or the United States Government. The essay can be found on the Irregular Warfare Initiative's website. If you value reading the Irregular Warfare Initiative, please consider supporting our work. And for the best gear, check out the IWI store for mugs, coasters, apparel, and other items. Subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review.