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#173 John Gentry on Active Measures, Reflexive Control, and Useful Idiots

The Cognitive Crucible

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Espionage and Cultural Manipulation

This chapter examines the historical and contemporary strategies of Soviet and Russian intelligence in exploiting vulnerabilities within target countries, focusing on cultural understanding and disinformation. It discusses the role of local operatives, the significance of tailored influence operations, and the psychological manipulation of 'useful idiots' in such campaigns. The chapter also highlights the ethical challenges encountered in addressing foreign influence operations within educational institutions, particularly in the context of controversies surrounding Confucius Institutes.

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