ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CYBER TECHNOLOGY

This study sought to examine the role of social media and cyber technology in the Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. The research was prompted by the significant attention and concern surrounding the issue, as well as the complexity and consequences of the problem for both domestic and international politics. The research objectives included a critical analysis of the legality of foreign interference in domestic elections under international law, an examination of the underlying motivations for the Russian interference, an assessment of the effects of election interference on state relations and political processes, and the development of recommendations for reducing the likelihood of similar interference in future elections. The study employed a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing upon a wide range of relevant secondary sources of data such as books, newspaper reports, articles, journals, reports, publications, magazines, commentaries and conference papers. Other sources of data for the research thesis also include internet materials within formation relevant to the study to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The findings of the study revealed that Russia's interference in the 2016 Presidential election constitutes a violation of state sovereignty and the principle of non-interference. Furthermore, the study identified a range of factors that motivated the Russian interference, including geopolitical context, domestic political context, and strategic objectives. Additionally, the study highlighted the crucial role that social media and cyber technology played in facilitating the interference and the negative impact it had on political processes and state relations. The study concludes by providing recommendations which include that governments should develop stronger cybersecurity measures and protocols, social media companies should implement measures to increase transparency and accountability, governments should increase international cooperation and coordination, governments should address underlying geopolitical and domestic political factors, and there should be encouragement of the development of critical thinking and media literacy skills in the general population to safeguard the integrity of future elections and address the ongoing challenges posed by cyber interference in politics.