The anatomy of Russian disinformation

Abstract

Revealed with the invasion of Crimea and popularized after the 2016 U.S. presidential elections, Russian disinformation is in vogue. However, these activities that combine disinformation, propaganda, manipulation and forgeries using open, semi-concealed or clandestine means are not new. These techniques were conceived after the Soviet revolution, they were employed during the Cold War and they have been successfully adapted to the virtual environment. The article studies its components and emphasizes the continuity that exists in its tactics, techniques and procedures.