From Psychological Warfare to Manipulated Media: Russia's Sinister Grip on America's Perception |
Russia's
use of active measures, including disinformation and propaganda, has been a
longstanding strategy to manipulate perceptions and influence public opinion.
These tactics, collectively known as Active Measures or Ideological Subversion,
aim to change the perception of reality for individuals and target audiences.
In my spy thriller novel MISSION
OF VENGEANCE with CIA spymaster Corey Pearson, I shed light on the
extent of Russia's Active Measures. A former Russian KGB defector hands over a
flash drive to Corey Pearson, containing 80 pages of transcripts detailing a
Russian plan of disaster for the Caribbean. It becomes clear that Russia has
rejuvenated the KGB and reinstated the Cold War-era 'Active Measures' strategy
against the U.S., specifically targeting the Caribbean region.
Russia's disinformation and propaganda
ecosystem consists of various pillars, including official government
communications, state-funded global messaging, cultivation of proxy sources,
weaponization of social media, and cyber-enabled disinformation. Let's explore
the tactics used by Russia and the role of proxy outlets in spreading false
narratives.
The revelations in MISSION OF VENGEANCE
align with this alarming reality, as the KGB defector discloses that Russia has
never truly abandoned its Active Measures strategy. Despite promises made after
the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia continues to employ Active Measures to
spread disinformation that undermine America.
First, we must understand Russia's 'Active
Measures' strategy. In my novel, the KGB defector explains how the KGB
successfully convinced Americans of various false narratives in the past. For
instance, they propagated the idea that the U.S. government assassinated Martin
Luther King Jr. and spread the conspiracy theory that the CIA created the AIDS
virus at Fort Detrick, Maryland in the 80s.
Russia's approach to disinformation and
propaganda involves a diverse range of channels and tactics, and there are advantages
to this total ecosystem approach. Firstly, it enables the amplification of
fringe voices and conspiracy theorists who align with Russian propaganda goals,
by giving them a broader platform.
This approach allows Russia to deflect
responsibility by obscuring its sponsorship of the sites, thereby avoiding
direct criticism. Moreover, the use of local voices and idioms further enhances
the resonance and impact of false narratives on target audiences, making them
more believable.
These proxy outlets play a crucial role in
proliferating Russia's disinformation and propaganda. Maintaining an
association with the Kremlin or receiving funding from it, these outlets
present themselves as independent sources while obscuring their Russian
origins.
One such outlet called the 'Strategic Culture
Foundation' (SCF), an online journal registered in Russia, is directed by
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) spy agency. It attracts Western
authors with fringe views and conspiracy theories, providing them with a
broader platform while masking its Russian origins.
Another real-life example is the New
Eastern Outlook, a pseudo-academic publication affiliated with the Russian
Academy of Science's Institute of Oriental Studies, which combines pro-Kremlin
views with anti-U.S. perspectives from Western fringe voices and conspiracy
theorists.
There’s also Global Research, a Canadian
website, which has become deeply enmeshed in Russia's broader disinformation
and propaganda ecosystem, as its roster of fringe authors and conspiracy
theorists serves as a talent pool for Russian and Chinese websites.
News Front is another example of a Russian
disinformation proxy. It’s a Crimea-based outlet with ties to Russian security
services and Kremlin funding and focuses on supporting Russia-backed forces in
Ukraine.
In addition to disinformation campaigns
and proxy outlets, Russia employs psychological warfare to manipulate and
control individuals. Techniques like blackmail, coercion, and manipulation are
used to turn key figures against their own interests, compromising their
integrity and influencing their actions.
Russia's use of psychological warfare to
manipulate individuals is exemplified by the case of Ukrainian pilot Nadia
Savchenko. Captured by Russian-backed separatists in 2014, she was subjected to
solitary confinement, denial of legal representation, and constant intimidation
during her imprisonment. The goal was to coerce her into falsely confessing to
crimes she did not commit.
Another example involves former Ukrainian
President Viktor Yanukovych, who faced pressure from Russia to reject closer
ties with the EU. Russia reportedly used financial incentives, threats, and
compromising material to coerce Yanukovych into making decisions favorable to
their interests.
Furthermore, Russia utilizes deep fake
technology, as highlighted in my novel, to create convincing videos or audio
recordings that can frame innocent individuals or tarnish the reputation of key
targets. These manipulated media assets contribute to the spread of false
information, adding an extra layer to Russia's disinformation campaigns.
Yes, Moscow readily manipulates the media
and shapes reporting to slant the news in its favor. Media manipulation is a
key tool to influence public opinion, spread disinformation, shape the
narrative to favor its interests, and create divisions to undermine democratic
institutions. Through the dissemination of false information, Russia undermines
our trust in traditional media and creates a fertile ground for the acceptance
of its propaganda narratives.
Beware, fellow Americans, for our
democracy hangs in the balance. As MISSION
OF VENGEANCE reveals, Russia's Active Measures strategy poses a grave
threat as they systematically manipulate perceptions and mold public opinion.
Within Moscow's disinformation and propaganda ecosystem, proxy outlets serve as
insidious conduits for spreading false narratives, aiming to deceive U.S.
intelligence, manipulate our collective thoughts, and distort the very fabric
of truth. Let us not underestimate the gravity of their tactics.
In this relentless campaign, Russia
deploys psychological warfare, employing cunning strategies to control
individuals and sway the course of events. Deep fake technology adds another
sinister layer, where fabricated videos and audio recordings can frame innocent
souls or tarnish the reputation of key figures.
As if that weren't enough, their insidious
manipulation of media further fuels their insidious agenda, shaping the
narrative to favor their interests and sow seeds of doubt within our democratic
foundations.
We must arm ourselves with knowledge and
vigilance to combat the insidious spread of disinformation. Understanding
Russia's Active Measures is not a luxury; it is a necessity for the
preservation of a democratic society.
Let us question, fact-check, and critically analyze the information that reaches our ears and eyes. By doing so, we can thwart their efforts, safeguard our democracy, and emerge as a resilient and united front against those who seek to exploit our vulnerabilities. The future of our nation depends on our collective awareness and resolute determination to protect the truth.
Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community. He authors the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest spy thrillers: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.
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