In their first episode back since election day 2024, Mark Jacobson and Jim Ludes take stock of the impact of foreign disinformation and generative AI in the U.S. election, turn their attention to various efforts to fight back, including for-profit companies and education, and then dive into the sabotage campaign Russia appears to be running across Europe, most recently taking the form of undersea cable cutting.

In their first episode back since election day 2024, Mark Jacobson and Jim Ludes take stock of the impact of foreign disinformation and generative AI in the U.S. election, turn their attention to various efforts to fight back, including for-profit companies and education, and then dive into the sabotage campaign Russia appears to be running across Europe, most recently taking the form of undersea cable cutting.

From the Pell Center at Salve Regina University and the creators of the Active Measures Newsletter, a weekly dive into the latest trends in political warfare, influence, and information campaigns. 

From the Pell Center at Salve Regina University and the creators of the Active Measures Newsletter, a weekly dive into the latest trends in political warfare, influence, and information campaigns.

A weekly dive into the headlines in the Active Measures Newsletter from the Pell Center at Salve Regina University.

The Active Measures Newsletter Podcast

Sabotage and Active Measures 

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was more than a formal announcement of separation from Britain, it was a masterful piece of propaganda. By articulating grievances and affirming universal rights, it sought to unify the colonies and garner international support. The document framed the revolution not just as a political struggle, but as a moral imperative--and the legacy of that framing resonates to this day.

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was more than a formal announcement of separation from Britain, it was a masterful piece of propaganda. By articulating grievances and affirming universal rights, it sought to unify the colonies and garner international support. The document framed the revolution not just as a political struggle, but as a moral imperative--and the legacy of that framing resonates to this day.

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it's essential to reflect not just on the ideals of freedom and democracy, but also on the powerful role of propaganda during the American Revolution. In this episode, we’ll explore how propaganda shaped public perception, mobilized support, and defined the revolutionary narrative.

Special Edition: Propaganda and the American Revolution

We started noticing it in 2024: an inside-outside game in which American political actors seed divisive issues that are then exploited from abroad.  But there are also internationally fueled narratives that often spur domestic voices. We've described it as a “dialogue” between actors foreign and domestic.  But the phenomenon is not just happening in the United States, and Sopo Gelava argues persuasively in an assessment of Russian efforts in Bulgaria’s recent election, that the pattern underscores the futility of international and national frameworks for fighting disinformation based on a now-outdated distinction between disinformation with either domestic or international origins.  In addition, hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson discuss reporting on Russia stoking anti-EU sentiments and the Kremlin’s efforts to distort Western chatbots and wiki-pages.

We started noticing it in 2024: an inside-outside game in which American political actors seed divisive issues that are then exploited from abroad.&nbsp; But there are also internationally fueled narratives that often spur domestic voices. We've described it as a &ldquo;dialogue&rdquo; between actors foreign and domestic.&nbsp; But the phenomenon is not just happening in the United States, and Sopo Gelava argues persuasively in an assessment of Russian efforts in Bulgaria&rsquo;s recent election, that the pattern underscores the futility of international and national frameworks for fighting disinformation based on a now-outdated distinction between disinformation with either domestic or international origins.&nbsp; In addition, hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson discuss reporting on Russia stoking anti-EU sentiments and the Kremlin&rsquo;s efforts to distort Western chatbots and wiki-pages.

Disinformation campaigns are a familiar tactic used by the Kremlin. The goal of these campaigns is to weaken European unity. Fake content is often disguised as credible news sources. Strategic patterns in disinformation can be identified over time. The use of bots to spread misinformation is increasing. Leaked documents reveal intentional plans by Russia to shape narratives. Social media plays a crucial role in disseminating false information. Understanding these tactics is essential for countering them. The Bulgarian election serves as a case study for these tactics. Future implications of disinformation strategies are concerning.

The Bulgarian Elections with Sopo Gelava

Some look at the U.S. elections in 2016 and 2020 and see issues of partisan contention.  Sean M. Wiswesser--a national security professional with 30 years of experience in intelligence, foreign service, and defense--sees an outright attack on American democracy by Russia, using an old playbook called 'active measures.' On this week's podcast, Wiswesser recounts Russia's tactics and the continuing danger to Western democracies.  Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also highlight recent Russian sabotage targeting UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer and former DNI Tulsi Gabbard's parting shot: American 'biolabs,' a favorite topic of Soviet- and, now, Russian propaganda.

Some look at the U.S. elections in 2016 and 2020 and see issues of partisan contention.&nbsp; Sean M. Wiswesser--a national security professional with 30 years of experience in intelligence, foreign service, and defense--sees an outright attack on American democracy by Russia, using an old playbook called 'active measures.' On this week's podcast, Wiswesser recounts Russia's tactics and the continuing danger to Western democracies.&nbsp; Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also highlight recent Russian sabotage targeting UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer and former DNI Tulsi Gabbard's parting shot: American 'biolabs,' a favorite topic of Soviet- and, now, Russian propaganda.

Sean Wiswasser, a former CIA officer and national security expert, discusses Russian intelligence operations, active measures, and their global impact. Learn how Russia uses social media, disinformation, and covert tactics to influence democracies worldwide.

Sabotage and Active Measures

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