Abstract
Since Putin came to power, Russia has engaged in an undeclared war against the liberal values underpinning the peace and prosperity of Europe. Russia's information warfare capability constitutes an integral part of Russia's new strategy for ‘hybrid’ or ‘non-linear’ warfare. This strategy uses military, criminal, intelligence, business, diplomatic, media, cyber and political means to achieve Russia's goals.
This paper analyses the main elements of Russia's vast, well-integrated and well-organised information warfare capabilities. It also deciphers the main messages of Russia's propaganda machine in the West, concentrating on Russia's efforts to undermine faith in liberal values and legitimise its claim to former constituent parts of the USSR. The paper examines how Russia is using its allies in European business and political circles to spread its message. It also provides recommendations for policymakers and non-governmental actors, with a view to countering Russia's propaganda. Europe is at war–-an information war. Like any other war, this requires a defence strategy.
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