Peter Magyar and the Tisza Party won the Hungarian parliamentary elections in April, but Russia’s coordinated influence campaign to discredit him and his party exposes current Russian influence campaigns in the West.  Darren Linville of the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub walks us through the way Russia’s Storm-1516 ecosystem launders fabricated narratives—ranging from corruption and money laundering to military conscription and anti‑Ukraine claims—through fake news sites and outsourced amplification networks, including commercial marketing accounts tied to Africa. Hungary’s election didn’t break for Russia, but Storm‑1516’s low‑cost, high‑engagement tactics pose a persistent threat to democratic processes in the West. Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also review possible Iranian hybrid-warfare in Europe and Japan’s efforts to confront Chinese disinformation.

Peter Magyar and the Tisza Party won the Hungarian parliamentary elections in April, but Russia&rsquo;s coordinated influence campaign to discredit him and his party exposes current Russian influence campaigns in the West.&nbsp; Darren Linville of the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub walks us through the way Russia&rsquo;s Storm-1516 ecosystem launders fabricated narratives&mdash;ranging from corruption and money laundering to military conscription and anti‑Ukraine claims&mdash;through fake news sites and outsourced amplification networks, including commercial marketing accounts tied to Africa. Hungary&rsquo;s election didn&rsquo;t break for Russia, but Storm‑1516&rsquo;s low‑cost, high‑engagement tactics pose a persistent threat to democratic processes in the West. Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also review possible Iranian hybrid-warfare in Europe and Japan&rsquo;s efforts to confront Chinese disinformation.

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

Peter Magyar and the Tisza Party’s April parliamentary victory in Hungary drew global attention not only for its political impact, but for what it revealed about contemporary Russian influence operations in the West. In this episode, Darren Linvill of Clemson University’s Media Forensics Hub explains how Russia’s Storm‑1516 network spreads fabricated narratives—ranging from corruption and money laundering to military conscription and anti‑Ukraine claims—using fake news sites and outsourced amplification networks, including commercial marketing accounts linked to Africa. Although Hungary’s election outcome ultimately didn’t favor Moscow, Storm‑1516’s low‑cost, high‑engagement tactics continue to pose a serious and persistent threat to democratic societies. Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also examine possible Iranian hybrid‑warfare activities in Europe and Japan’s efforts to counter Chinese disinformation.

Storm-1516 and the Hungarian Election with Darren Linvill

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.

Storm-1516 and the Hungarian Election with Darren Linvill

The Active Measures Newsletter Podcast

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