I think they've found that fake, misleading, distorted and disruptive propaganda is far, far cheaper than waging war. That coupled with "simple" terrorism is pretty disruptive and damaging without much, if any cost to them.
Cracking down HARD on whistleblowers is also very effective in making very sure of getting their own take on everything in to worldwide "news".
It's life Jim, but not as WE know it.
Live long and prosper.