As Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters its second month, ISD is focussing on the concurrent information war. Our research shows how pro-Kremlin narratives are seeping into the mainstream, slowly engraining into conspiracy groups, exploiting wedge issues to create a chaotic information environment and prevent public opinon hardening against Russia.
We've exposed how RT is circumventing social media restrictions with the assistance of their fanbase, and the Kremlin's use of traditional Cold War propaganda in the form of 'whataboutisms'. Our CEO Sasha Havlicek appeared on Radio 4's Today discussing the last two decades of Western response to Putin, while Julia Smirnova helped the Washington Post debunk a viral video claiming the death of a German boy was caused by Ukrainian refugees, and Elise Thomas spoke with the New York Times about the Kremlin's pragmatic approach to propaganda narratives.
For more of our ongoing Russia-Ukraine analysis, visit our regularly updated hub.
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QAnon's imminent pro-China shift?
Elise Thomas examines how QAnon conspiracy communities are re-evaluating China, as President Xi Jinping is reframed from villain to hero.
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Anti-lockdown analysis: US and Italy
In our analysis of anti-lockdown movements in Italy and the US, we find the various ways extremists have capitalised on the pandemic through conspiracies, harassment and protests.
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Restricted, but not inaccessible: how RT is breaking through to fans
Since RT's restriction in Germany in early February, both the Russian state-controlled outlet and its audience are actively circumventing restrictions by pushing users to fringe platforms and RT’s own app.
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Gettr’s failure to launch in France and Germany
Gettr, a Twitter clone launched by former Trump aide Jason Miller, failed to live up to the hype. We examine its trajectory.
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New war, old Soviet propaganda tactic: 'whataboutism'
Russia is bombing civilians, but what about the US invasion of Iraq? ISD analyses how pro-Kremlin actors appropriate legitimate issues like racism and media biases to distort the reality of Russia’s invasion.
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Why Western conspiracy influencers are promoting pro-Kremlin propaganda
Russian-state media content is impacting Western conspiracy theory communities, who have come to believe that Ukraine is ruled by Nazis and Putin is fighting the New World Order.
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The Strong Cities Network invites you to their next Together for Safety series webinar, Safe City Governance: The Role of Networks and Alliances, on 7 April. This session examines what cities/regions can do to inspire each other and ensure a horizontal knowledge-sharing and approach to extremism prevention. Speakers to be announced soon. Registration is open here.
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ISD's CEO, Sasha Havlicek, appeared on Radio 4's flagship Today programme to discuss the last two decades of Western response to Vladimir Putin. Speaking alongside Jonathan Powell, she highlighted Putin’s repeated testing of Western resolve.
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ISD's Jiore Craig was interviewed on pro-Kremlin disinformation by NBC Nightly News, where she spoke about curbing the spread of disinformation on social media: "some of the solutions are going to involve holding the actors with disproportionate power in this conversation responsible."
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Analysis by Julia Smirnova was featured by the Washington Post, debunking a viral TikTok video spreading misinformation about violence directed at Russians in Germany.
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Elise Thomas features in the New York Times, reminding readers that Russia has long executed information attacks, but warning that it's never been as easy as in the age of the Internet and smart phones.
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Join our team to counter hate, extremism and disinformation on a global scale.
ISD is seeking exceptional applicants for a Programmes Lead and a Network Officer to work remotely for our AMEA office, as well as an interim Operations Manager and a Director of Project Operations for a 12-month contract, both for our global team. Our ISD Germany office is also currently recruiting for an Accountant. If you would like to know more about upcoming opportunities or submit a speculative application, please visit our careers portal below.
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Help ISD safeguard democracy.
We have been committed to the fight against hate, extremism, polarisation and disinformation for 15 years and it's all thanks to support from people like you. As an independent, non-profit organisation, our work is reliant on grants and donations to stay on the forefront of analysing and responding to threats to democracy in all their forms.
By donating to ISD, your contribution will ensure we can continue to analyse, advise, and act to create stronger, more cohesive societies. Join us by donating at the link below.
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