A Spy Thriller Novel Shows Russia’s Disinformation is Splintering America

 

Russian operatives at work: Spreading disinformation online to destabilize democracies and fuel division across the globe

     Russian disinformation is like a ticking time bomb, spreading far beyond Europe and creeping into places like Latin America. The Kremlin has turned disinformation into a weapon, using it to compete in the never-ending information war. They’ve built an entire machine dedicated to churning out lies and fake narratives that serve their interests while throwing Western democracies into chaos.

     And Russia doesn’t hold back. These lies cover everything—human rights abuses, election fraud, state-sponsored assassinations, even the bombing of civilians. Nothing is off-limits if it helps their agenda.

     The real trick, though, is hiding what they’re up to. In places like Ukraine, Georgia, and across Europe, Russia is stirring the pot, making moves, and they don’t want anyone to know the truth. So, they pump out fake news through government-backed websites that look independent, creating a smokescreen. People end up drowning in misinformation, and soon enough, it’s impossible to tell what’s real. This strategy is cheap, fast, and effective—a perfect way for Russia to destabilize societies before making more aggressive moves.

     In Mission of Vengeance, I took a deep dive into this very issue. Corey Pearson and his elite CIA team stumble upon a Russian disinformation campaign that feels eerily similar to what’s happening now. They uncover a secret Russian operation in the Dominican Republic, run out of an estate of a former KGB agent. There, a group of hackers—some of the same ones involved in the 2020 U.S. election interference—are busy spreading anti-U.S. propaganda throughout the Caribbean.

     Just like in real life, they’re using local media to do the dirty work. It’s all part of a bigger plan to destabilize the region and undercut America’s influence, echoing what Russia is doing in Latin America today.

     Russia’s efforts aren’t just focused on Europe anymore. They’ve moved into Latin America, and they’re doing it in a slick, well-funded way. They’re spreading propaganda through local media in countries like Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela. Their endgame? Make anti-U.S. and anti-NATO stories sound like they’re coming from local sources, weaken support for Ukraine, and stir up anti-Western sentiment.

     To pull this off, Russia relies on firms like the Social Design Agency (SDA) and Structura. These professional manipulators know exactly how to exploit open media environments. They recruit local journalists and influencers to spread the Kremlin’s propaganda. Leading the charge is Ilya Gambashidze, head of SDA, with key players like Andrey Perla and Nikolay Tupikin making sure Russia’s strategic interests get embedded in the media while undermining the West’s credibility.

     The operation is complex and finely tuned. Russian linguists fluent in Spanish work with a handpicked editorial staff in Latin America to churn out pro-Kremlin content. By the time it’s polished and hits the public, it feels like it’s coming from the local media, perfectly blended in and almost impossible to detect as Kremlin propaganda.

     The Russian government is pulling the strings behind the scenes. Gambashidze, Perla, and Tupikin make sure the narratives fit Russia’s goals—especially convincing Latin American audiences that Russia’s war in Ukraine is justified. They’re backed by coordinated efforts between Russian embassies and state-run media, creating a web of lies that spreads like wildfire.

     In Mission of Vengeance, Corey Pearson and his team tail former KGB spies from their Dominican hideout to frequent visits at the Russian embassy in Santo Domingo. It’s part of a bigger plan, both in the novel and in real life. The way Russia is manipulating the media today mirrors the disinformation campaign Pearson uncovers in the book.

     Russia’s disinformation machine is no joke. It’s eroding democracies, stirring up division, and messing with international cooperation. By slipping propaganda into media across the globe, especially in places like Latin America, the Kremlin is spreading confusion and grabbing more control.

     The U.S. Intelligence Community has already raised the alarm: these Russian disinformation campaigns are getting slicker and more sophisticated by the day. If we want to stand a chance against this, it’s going to take more than just governments stepping up. It’s going to take a serious commitment to truth and transparency from all of us.

     Americans need to stay sharp, pay attention, and not fall for the lies. The Kremlin’s game is to confuse, divide, and manipulate. And if we’re not careful, we’ll end up playing right into their hands. It’s easy to get swept up in the headlines or buy into sensational stories on social media, but that’s exactly what they want. The more divided and distracted we are, the easier it is for Russia to push their agenda.

     We’ve got to be vigilant, double-check what we’re reading, and be smart about where we’re getting our information. Don’t become a pawn in their game. In the end, the truth is our best defense. We need to hold the line against disinformation, because if we don’t, Russia wins without ever firing a shot. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the author of the "Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster" spy thriller series. Check out his latest spy thriller, Misson of Vengeance.