Another excellent article, Simon. I don't disagree with your analysis of how hostile states' (and a few non-hostile ones) propaganda channels have evolved. I think we miss one vital element: credibility. I live in Latvia, a country where nearly a third of the population is ethnic-Russian. Prime targets for the Kremlin propaganda machine. However, apart from one neighbour - a former MP who recently fled to Belarus - I don't know of any ethnic Russians (the rest of my neighbours) who believe the Kremlin's messages. They expect the Russian government to lie. In the UK, the traditional media across the pitch is Putin's worst nightmare. They hate him! I think most people in the UK and Europe will check facts if the post they've seen is important enough to them.
I think you're missing the point. Successful propaganda op depends on being completely disguised as a local, grassroot, amateur content. It does not come with a russian flag background and thick, Moscow accent.
I'm also not sure what you are doing in Latvia, but I would guess you are not mixing up with old ladies in from a village outside of Ventspils and their unemployed sons in law. They are the intended recepients.
It's exactly the same in Poland where far right parties are openly sponsored by Moscow and social media drown in russian and MAGA fascist propaganda. Campaign is very successful.
Another excellent article, Simon. I don't disagree with your analysis of how hostile states' (and a few non-hostile ones) propaganda channels have evolved. I think we miss one vital element: credibility. I live in Latvia, a country where nearly a third of the population is ethnic-Russian. Prime targets for the Kremlin propaganda machine. However, apart from one neighbour - a former MP who recently fled to Belarus - I don't know of any ethnic Russians (the rest of my neighbours) who believe the Kremlin's messages. They expect the Russian government to lie. In the UK, the traditional media across the pitch is Putin's worst nightmare. They hate him! I think most people in the UK and Europe will check facts if the post they've seen is important enough to them.
I think you're missing the point. Successful propaganda op depends on being completely disguised as a local, grassroot, amateur content. It does not come with a russian flag background and thick, Moscow accent.
I'm also not sure what you are doing in Latvia, but I would guess you are not mixing up with old ladies in from a village outside of Ventspils and their unemployed sons in law. They are the intended recepients.
It's exactly the same in Poland where far right parties are openly sponsored by Moscow and social media drown in russian and MAGA fascist propaganda. Campaign is very successful.