Frequently Asked Questions

  • Meridian Influence Group is a strategic advisory firm specializing in influence operations, AI-generated information threats, behavioral science, and national security strategy. The firm advises defense contractors, allied governments, corporate leaders, and civic institutions on detecting, countering, and outmaneuvering adversary information threats.

  • Dr. Todd C. Helmus is a clinical psychologist, former RAND Corporation researcher, and internationally recognized expert in influence operations, AI-driven disinformation, and behavioral science. He has advised U.S. defense and intelligence organizations, testified before the U.S. Senate, and led programs across more than 25 countries.

  • Meridian Influence Group provides advisory services in:

    • AI capability design and solution architecture

    • Influence operations (IO) and strategic communications

    • Counter-disinformation strategy

    • Deepfake preparedness and AI threat defense

    • Information warfare analysis

    • Executive education and tabletop exercises

    • Program evaluation and measurement

    • AI governance and risk frameworks

  • Influence operations are coordinated efforts designed to shape perceptions, behaviors, decision-making, or public opinion through information, messaging, media, and psychological strategies. These operations are commonly used in military, geopolitical, and digital information environments.

  • AI-generated disinformation refers to misleading or manipulated content created using artificial intelligence technologies such as generative AI, synthetic media, and deepfakes. These threats can include fabricated videos, cloned voices, automated propaganda, and coordinated social media influence campaigns.

  • Deepfakes are AI-generated or manipulated audio, video, or images designed to convincingly imitate real people or events. Synthetic media can be used for fraud, misinformation, reputational attacks, election interference, and influence operations.

  • Organizations can improve resilience against deepfake threats through:

    • Executive preparedness training

    • Crisis response planning

    • AI threat assessments

    • Media verification protocols

    • Internal communications strategies

    • Tabletop exercises and simulations

    • Monitoring and detection frameworks

  • Meridian Influence Group supports:

    • Defense contractors

    • AI and technology firms

    • Government agencies

    • Allied military organizations

    • Corporate leadership teams

    • Election and civic institutions

    • Strategic communications firms

  • Industries most vulnerable to AI-driven information attacks include:

    • Defense and national security

    • Government and public policy

    • Financial services

    • Healthcare

    • Media and communications

    • Technology platforms

    • Critical infrastructure

    • Corporate enterprise leadership

  • Counter-disinformation strategy involves identifying, analyzing, and mitigating adversarial information campaigns designed to manipulate public perception or behavior. This includes threat intelligence, audience analysis, strategic communications, and resilience-building initiatives.

  • Yes. Meridian Influence Group advises defense contractors, military information operations programs, and allied government organizations on strategic communications, AI adoption, influence operations, and information threat defense.

  • Behavioral science helps explain how people process information, form beliefs, make decisions, and respond to persuasive messaging. Meridian Influence Group applies behavioral science principles to improve influence campaign effectiveness and counter adversary manipulation.

  • Information warfare refers to the strategic use of information, media, cyber capabilities, and psychological influence to gain operational or geopolitical advantage. Modern information warfare often includes AI-enabled propaganda, coordinated online influence campaigns, and disinformation operations.

  • Yes. Meridian Influence Group provides executive briefings, leadership advisories, tabletop exercises, and training sessions focused on AI-generated threats, influence operations, deepfake preparedness, and institutional resilience.

  • You can contact Meridian Influence Group through the website contact form or by reaching out directly for speaking engagements, strategic advisory, or media inquiries.