The Rest Is Classified 99. Putin's Secret Army: Trump, Wagner And Russia (Ep 2)
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Nov 12, 2025 Delve into the shadows of political manipulation as hosts explore the Internet Research Agency’s role in the 2016 US election. Discover Yevgeny Prigozhin’s rise from caterer to Kremlin fixer, leveraging PR tricks and media stunts. The podcast reveals how the IRA crafted targeted disinformation and the surprising tactics they used, from fake accounts to real-world stunts. Was their impact on voter behavior or trust in information more profound? Join the conversation on the murky intersection of state interests and private operations.
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Prigozhin's Early Dark PR Tactics
- Yevgeny Prigozhin used PR stunts like faking sickness at a rival event to ruin competitors and win contracts.
- He also sent funeral wreaths and a severed lamb's head to intimidate journalists who investigated him.
PR And Security Were Merged Early
- Prigozhin fused PR and security work, building teams to surveil and smear critics.
- That fusion later scaled from catering disputes to state-directed disinformation campaigns.
Political Technologists Drive Strategy
- Political technologists in Russia design strategic communications to shape public opinion, not just manage press.
- Prigozhin's team adapted that model for social media and online manipulation.
