Summary:
The report titled “The Paradox of Russian Disinformation in the Visegrád Group Countries,” authored by Szymon Polewka and published by the Warsaw Institute on November 30, 2024, discusses the ongoing vulnerability of Visegrád Group countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) to Russian disinformation, despite their historical awareness and experience with such tactics. Although these nations are recognized as critical voices within the European Union and NATO, they frequently find themselves targeted by Russian influence operations, indicative of a complex paradox where their experience does not necessarily equate to resilience against manipulation.
Key Points:
- The Visegrád Group’s historical context with the Soviet Union shapes its current stance against disinformation.
- Despite awareness, these nations remain vulnerable to Kremlin narratives, highlighting a paradox in their experience and defenses against disinformation.
References:
- Szymon Polewka, “The Paradox of Russian Disinformation in the Visegrad Group Countries,” Warsaw Institute, November 2024.
- Krystyna Sikora and Bret Schafer, “The State(s) of Foreign Information Operations,” German Marshall Fund of the United States, February 2025.
- Tom Johansmeyer, “AI and Cyber: Could the War of the Robots be the Next War in the Wires?” Royal United Services Institute, February 19, 2025.
- Peter Tozzi, “China’s Political Warfare: The Fight for Taiwan on the Information Battlefield,” Small Wars Journal, February 19, 2025.
- Darren Linvill and Patrick Warren, “Ukraine: The Past, Present, and Future of Russian Disinformation,” Lawfare, February 20, 2025.
Executive Summary:
Szymon Polewka’s report examines the unique position of Visegrád Group countries concerning Russian disinformation efforts. Despite their historical experiences with Soviet influence and a critical role in European discussions, these countries find themselves increasingly susceptible to Russian manipulation. The report suggests a need for enhanced strategies to address this vulnerability, underscoring the complexities involved in combating disinformation in a geopolitically significant region.
12ft.io Link: https://12ft.io/https://warsawinstitute.org/the-paradox-of-russian-disinformation-in-the-visegrad-group-countries/.
Archive.org Link: https://web.archive.org/web/https://warsawinstitute.org/the-paradox-of-russian-disinformation-in-the-visegrad-group-countries/.
Original Link: https://warsawinstitute.org/the-paradox-of-russian-disinformation-in-the-visegrad-group-countries/.
User Message: Szymon Polewka, The Paradox of Russian Disinformation in the Visegrad Group Countries, (Warsaw, Poland: Warsaw Institute, November 2024), The Paradox of Russian Disinformation in the Visegrád Group Countries | Warsaw Institute.
Krystyna Sikora and Bret Schafer, The State(s) of Foreign Information Operations, (Washington DC: German Marshall Fund of the United States, February 2025), https://www.gmfus.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/The%20State(s)%20of%20Foreign%20Information%20Operations%20.pdf.
Tom Johansmeyer, “AI and Cyber: Could the War of the Robots be the Next War in the Wires?” Royal United Services Institute (UK), last modified February 19, 2025, AI and Cyber: Could the War of the Robots be the Next War in the Wires?.
Peter Tozzi, “China’s Political Warfare: The Fight for Taiwan on the Information Battlefield,” Small Wars Journal, last modified February 19, 2025, China’s Political Warfare: The Fight for Taiwan on the Information Battlefield | Small Wars Journal by Arizona State University.
Darren Linvill and Patrick Warren, “Ukraine: The Past, Present, and Future of Russian Disinformation,” Lawfare, last modified February 20, 2025, Ukraine: The Past, Present, and Future of Russian Disinformation | Lawfare
for more on see the post on bypassing methods