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The Cognitive Crucible

#105 Tom Kent on Persuasion in the Developing World

Jul 19, 2022
Tom Kent, a seasoned expert on Russian affairs and former president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, dives deep into persuasion strategies in the developing world. He sheds light on Russia's influence operations post-Ukraine invasion, revealing the skepticism many developing nations hold toward the West. Kent also discusses the resilience of advocacy movements for democracy and the challenges faced by media organizations in countering misinformation. His insights underscore the complexity of global narratives and the need for cohesive strategies in the information landscape.
30:31

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Tom Kent highlights Russia's strategic use of anti-colonial narratives to gain support in developing countries amidst the Ukraine conflict.
  • The skepticism developing nations hold towards Western countries complicates their stance on the Ukraine war and influences global discourse.

Deep dives

Russia's War on Ukraine: A Stalemate

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has devolved into a war of attrition, with both sides suffering substantial losses. While the Ukrainian military is motivated and determined to fight, its capacity to counter the larger Russian forces is in question, especially given NATO's restraint in not engaging Russian troops directly. This situation paints a grim picture for Ukraine, which may emerge from the war as a weakened nation, potentially losing more territory and struggling economically. Furthermore, Russia’s military, despite recent setbacks, retains significant power and could perpetuate its influence through aggressive tactics and the deployment of mercenaries.

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