This week, Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson welcome Valentin Chatelet, a research associate at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, for an urgent discussion of the Pravda Network--a Russian information operation using an AI-powered network of websites to warp target populations' understanding of the war in Ukraine and other issues.  They also discuss a troubling example of America's unilateral disarmament in the information space aimed at North Korea as well as the impact of AI on democracy around the world.

This week, Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson welcome Valentin Chatelet, a research associate at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, for an urgent discussion of the Pravda Network--a Russian information operation using an AI-powered network of websites to warp target populations' understanding of the war in Ukraine and other issues.&nbsp; They also discuss a troubling example of America's unilateral disarmament in the information space aimed at North Korea as well as the impact of AI on democracy around the world.

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

The Pravda Network with Valentin Chatelet

Iran’s digital influence campaigns didn’t start with the current war, and they won’t stop when it ends, says “Jane,” an analyst from the intelligence firm Graphika who asked us not to use her real name.  In fact, last year’s 12-Day War and the current conflict show all the hallmarks of Iran’s international information campaigns, running the gamut from traditional propaganda to hacktivism and AI-generated content, sometimes with international amplification from America’s adversaries.  Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also highlight reporting on the diplomatic dust-up between Germany and Russia over Russian active measures and the real lessons of the 2026 Hungarian elections.

Iran&rsquo;s digital influence campaigns didn&rsquo;t start with the current war, and they won&rsquo;t stop when it ends, says &ldquo;Jane,&rdquo; an analyst from the intelligence firm Graphika who asked us not to use her real name.&nbsp; In fact, last year&rsquo;s 12-Day War and the current conflict show all the hallmarks of Iran&rsquo;s international information campaigns, running the gamut from traditional propaganda to hacktivism and AI-generated content, sometimes with international amplification from America&rsquo;s adversaries.&nbsp; Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also highlight reporting on the diplomatic dust-up between Germany and Russia over Russian active measures and the real lessons of the 2026 Hungarian elections.

An intelligence analyst from Graphika explains how Iran’s digital influence campaigns—spanning propaganda, hacktivism, and AI-generated content—have shaped recent conflicts and will persist beyond them. Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also examine Russian active measures, a Germany–Russia diplomatic clash, and key takeaways from Hungary’s 2026 elections.

Iranian Influence Campaigns with "Jane" from Graphika 

Iran is winning the meme war.  It may seem like a silly metric, but it cuts to the quick of the nature of conflict. Iranian use of AI generated Lego-movies has shown the power and potential for new technology to reshape the modern battlefield—especially where it matters, in the minds of audiences around the world.  David Gilbert from WIRED joins us after having spoken directly with the creators of the pro-Iranian content that has gone viral with its mix of Lego-styled animations and catchy rap lyrics.  Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also discuss a Russian campaign targeting Estonia and Russian media penetration in the global south. 

Iran is winning the meme war.&nbsp; It may seem like a silly metric, but it cuts to the quick of the nature of conflict. Iranian use of AI generated Lego-movies has shown the power and potential for new technology to reshape the modern battlefield&mdash;especially where it matters, in the minds of audiences around the world.&nbsp; David Gilbert from WIRED joins us after having spoken directly with the creators of the pro-Iranian content that has gone viral with its mix of Lego-styled animations and catchy rap lyrics.&nbsp; Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also discuss a Russian campaign targeting Estonia and Russian media penetration in the global south.&nbsp;

Iran's Lego War with David Gilbert

Telegram, the Russian-built social media platform, played a critical role in the Kremlin’s ability to make its case about the war in Ukraine.  But Anna Varfolomeeva of the Cognitive Security Institute notes changes in the relationship between the Kremlin and Telegram—changes that may be motivated by concerns over Telegram’s potential to be used as a tool of mass mobilization inside Russia during a period of economic, political, and military challenges for Moscow.  Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also review the latest from the war in Iran and the winnowing of American soft power.

Telegram, the Russian-built social media platform, played a critical role in the Kremlin&rsquo;s ability to make its case about the war in Ukraine.&nbsp; But Anna Varfolomeeva of the Cognitive Security Institute notes changes in the relationship between the Kremlin and Telegram&mdash;changes that may be motivated by concerns over Telegram&rsquo;s potential to be used as a tool of mass mobilization inside Russia during a period of economic, political, and military challenges for Moscow.&nbsp; Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also review the latest from the war in Iran and the winnowing of American soft power.

Telegram, the Russian-built social media platform, played a critical role in the Kremlin’s ability to make its case about the war in Ukraine.  But Anna Varfolomeeva of the Cognitive Security Institute notes changes in the relationship between the Kremlin and Telegram—changes that may be motivated by concerns over Telegram’s potential to be used as a tool of mass mobilization inside Russia during a period of economic, political, and military challenges for Moscow.  Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also review the latest from the war in Iran and the winnowing of American soft power. 

The Pravda Network with Valentin Chatelet

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