In this week's episode, hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson examine Trump Administration decisions to unilaterally disarm the United States of its ability to exert influence around the world, including: the effort to shutter USAID, slash funding for the National Endowment for Democracy, eliminate Justice Department efforts to counter Russian influence, and suspend DHS programs to protect American elections--all while Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth alienate American allies in Europe.

In this week's episode, hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson examine Trump Administration decisions to unilaterally disarm the United States of its ability to exert influence around the world, including: the effort to shutter USAID, slash funding for the National Endowment for Democracy, eliminate Justice Department efforts to counter Russian influence, and suspend DHS programs to protect American elections--all while Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth alienate American allies in Europe.

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

Unilateral Disarmament

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pattern underscores the futility of international and national frameworks for fighting disinformation based on a now-outdated distinction between disinformation with either domestic or international origins.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.

Active Measures with Sean M. Wiswesser

During the Cold War, President Eisenhower used to caution people that in confronting the Soviets, the United States needed to be careful that we didn’t destroy the very thing we sought to preserve.  GW Law Visiting Associate ProfessorKatie Kedian makes a similar point about countering disinformation in American public life today.  She emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of the legal frameworks surrounding disinformation, the potential role of social media regulation, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI, all set against the core-American desire to maintain First Amendment rights.  Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also discuss reporting from France on Chinese efforts to target populations in the West and Africa as well as an Israeli firm offering influence-for-hire.

During the Cold War, President Eisenhower used to caution people that in confronting the Soviets, the United States needed to be careful that we didn&rsquo;t destroy the very thing we sought to preserve.&nbsp; GW Law Visiting Associate Professor Katie Kedian makes a similar point about countering disinformation in American public life today.&nbsp; She emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of the legal frameworks surrounding disinformation, the potential role of social media regulation, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI, all set against the core-American desire to maintain First Amendment rights.&nbsp; Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also discuss reporting from France on Chinese efforts to target populations in the West and Africa as well as an Israeli firm offering influence-for-hire.

During the Cold War, President Eisenhower used to caution people that in confronting the Soviets, the United States needed to be careful that we didn’t destroy the very thing we sought to preserve.  GW Law Visiting Associate Professor Katie Kedian makes a similar point about countering disinformation in American public life today.  She emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of the legal frameworks surrounding disinformation, the potential role of social media regulation, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI, all set against the core-American desire to maintain First Amendment rights.  Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also discuss reporting from France on Chinese efforts to target populations in the West and Africa as well as an Israeli firm offering influence-for-hire.

Unilateral Disarmament

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