The main goal of Russian propaganda is not so much to convince as to confuse and create chaos in the information space. One of the Kremlin’s strategies is to try to undermine trust in any source of information so that people cannot distinguish truth from lies. This creates a favorable environment for the spread of fakes and manipulations.
For example, back when the Russians shot down Malaysian Boeing MH17, a dozen and a half versions were thrown into the information space, each denying the others. As a result, people didn’t know what to believe, and the truth was lost in the whirlwind of different versions of lies.
The most characteristic features of the current concept of Russian propaganda are as follows:
– Use of emotions: Russian propaganda often appeals to strong emotions, such as fear, anger or hatred. This allows them to bypass logical thinking and influence the subconscious of the audience. The fictional story of the “crucified boy in panties” is from this opera. As well as previous historical fictions about the “crimes of the UPA” and so on.
– Spreading conspiracy theories: Conspiracy theories are a powerful disinformation tool. They create a sense of secrecy and exclusivity, attracting people who are looking for alternative explanations for events. It is significant that most conspiracy theories portray the West and the United States as the main enemy of humanity in the form of Freemasons, the world government, etc., and for some reason not Russia or China. Coincidence, as they say?
– Use of social media and anonymous channels: Russian propaganda actively uses social media and anonymous Telegram channels to spread disinformation. This allows them to bypass official sources of information and directly influence the audience.
Another technique of Russian propaganda is pseudo-Western media, which are often either fictitious or bought by Russian oligarchs abroad and turned into Kremlin mouthpieces.
It is important to remember that Russian disinformation can and should be countered. Check information from multiple sources, be critical of emotional messages, and do not share unverified information.
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