Modern Wisdom #210 - Nina Jankowicz - Russian Election Meddling & Fake News
Aug 15, 2020
Nina Jankowicz, a writer and analyst specializing in Central and Eastern Europe, delves into the intricate world of Russian election meddling and disinformation campaigns. She discusses how Russia manipulates societal divisions and employs local citizens in misinformation efforts. The episode unpacks the unusual ads from the 2016 election and the tactics used by Russian media to influence grassroots activism, especially around race. Nina emphasizes the need for media literacy and comprehensive responses to safeguard democratic integrity against foreign interference.
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Russia's Disinformation Tactics
- Russia's disinformation campaign involves sophisticated tactics beyond fake news, focusing on emotional manipulation and societal divisions.
- They exploit existing tensions, targeting both sides of an issue to amplify discord and disengagement, benefiting Putin's image of stability.
Les Miserables Flash Mob
- The 2017 Les Miserables flash mob protest against Trump was unknowingly promoted by Russian ads.
- This demonstrates how Russia uses local actors and online ads to influence real-world events.
Blacktivist Facebook Page
- The Blacktivist Facebook page, larger than Black Lives Matter, was controlled by Russia.
- This highlights their focus on racial issues to incite division and suppress voter turnout.
