The Rest Is Politics 479. Russian Influence in Britain: How Exposed Are We?
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Dec 17, 2025 Top military and intelligence chiefs are raising alarms about Putin's influence in Britain. The podcast dives into how Russia's hybrid tactics, like disinformation and polarization, have permeated British politics and media. They discuss the UK’s struggle to counter these threats due to cuts in intelligence capacity. The announced inquiry into Russian interference is also examined, alongside the challenges of proving covert influence in politics. Finally, they explore the complexities of using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine amidst legal hurdles.
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Putin’s Strategic Evolution
- Vladimir Putin evolved from a Western-engaging leader to a hybrid-warfare actor and now a neo-imperialist after 2022.
- His worldview sees NATO/EU expansion as existential threats driving aggressive external and informational tactics.
Tech As Core Of Modern Threats
- MI6's new chief Blaise Mitrovic frames tech and AI as central to modern threats alongside traditional espionage.
- 'Active measures' now exploit platforms and algorithms to weaponize information and erode public trust.
Rebuild Area Expertise Now
- Rebuild diplomatic and intelligence area expertise rather than relying wholly on allies for reporting.
- Invest resources and staffing in embassies, language skills, and overseas stations to regain capacity.