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

Truth is the first casualty of war, and the sheer volume of digital disinformation coming out of the war with Iran only proves the point.  News Guard’s Sofia Rubinson and Isis Blachez review the phony images and videos claiming Iranian battlefield successes not borne out by the evidence.  In addition, hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson discuss other reporting on emerging themes in Spanish language disinformation ahead of the U.S. midterm elections before turning their attention to the power of humor, among other things, to counter disinformation.

Truth is the first casualty of war, and the sheer volume of digital disinformation coming out of the war with Iran only proves the point.&nbsp; News Guard&rsquo;s Sofia Rubinson and Isis Blachez review the phony images and videos claiming Iranian battlefield successes not borne out by the evidence.&nbsp; In addition, hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson discuss other reporting on emerging themes in Spanish language disinformation ahead of the U.S. midterm elections before turning their attention to the power of humor, among other things, to counter disinformation.

Truth is the first casualty of war, and the sheer volume of digital disinformation coming out of the war with Iran only proves the point.  NewsGuard’s Sofia Rubinson and Isis Blachez review the phony images and videos claiming Iranian battlefield successes not borne out by the evidence.  In addition, hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson discuss other reporting on emerging themes in Spanish language disinformation ahead of the U.S. midterm elections before turning their attention to the power of humor, among other things, to counter disinformation.

Disinformation and the War with Iran with Sofia Rubinson and Isis Blachez

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we examine Benjamin Franklin’s 1782 disinformation operation during the peace negotiations with Britain. As American diplomats sought formal recognition of independence following Yorktown, Franklin produced a fabricated supplement to the Boston Independent Chronicle, printed in France but designed to appear authentic, alleging British officials had encouraged atrocities by their Native American allies. The forged document aimed to inflame British public opinion and exploit existing parliamentary criticism of the war’s conduct, thereby indirectly strengthening the American negotiating position in Paris. Though there is no direct evidence the forgery altered votes or treaty terms, the episode reveals Franklin’s strategic use of media manipulation and covert influence, with clear parallels to more modern active measures.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we examine Benjamin Franklin&rsquo;s 1782 disinformation operation during the peace negotiations with Britain. As American diplomats sought formal recognition of independence following Yorktown, Franklin produced a fabricated supplement to the Boston Independent Chronicle, printed in France but designed to appear authentic, alleging British officials had encouraged atrocities by their Native American allies. The forged document aimed to inflame British public opinion and exploit existing parliamentary criticism of the war&rsquo;s conduct, thereby indirectly strengthening the American negotiating position in Paris. Though there is no direct evidence the forgery altered votes or treaty terms, the episode reveals Franklin&rsquo;s strategic use of media manipulation and covert influence, with clear parallels to more modern active measures.

Special Edition: Benjamin Franklin and the Dawn of American Covert Influence Operations

“Flood the zone.”  That’s the strategy advice of domestic political operatives and hostile foreign intelligence services.  Veteran national security journalist J.J. Green stands in the midst of the ensuing storm with a new handbook, The Noise War, to help reporters, citizens, educators, and students spot disinformation, manage their information diet, and remain engaged in the life of the republic.  Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also highlight new reporting on a U.S. government plan to exert influence in European politics by platforming speech and content currently banned on the continent. 

&ldquo;Flood the zone.&rdquo;&nbsp; That&rsquo;s the strategy advice of domestic political operatives and hostile foreign intelligence services.&nbsp; Veteran national security journalist J.J. Green stands in the midst of the ensuing storm with a new handbook, The Noise War, to help reporters, citizens, educators, and students spot disinformation, manage their information diet, and remain engaged in the life of the republic.&nbsp; Hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson also highlight new reporting on a U.S. government plan to exert influence in European politics by platforming speech and content currently banned on the continent.&nbsp;

Unilateral Disarmament

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