Research
In this section you will find a reading list encompassing a wide range of studies, articles and reports relating to the spread of pro-Kremlin disinformation.
Whether you want a general introduction, to learn about the Kremlin’s attempts to influence elections, or investigate how one single false message gets spread via a wide network of websites – this is the place to start.
How we collect the material
The selection of works keeps a balance between academic depth and reputability, but also a breadth of perspectives and interests beyond the academy. We have established quality control measures and the material selection was based on the five issue areas below.
This area is dedicated to the activities of major threat actors, namely Russia and China and their aims, motives and capacities.
This area captures the methods and tools deployed by threat actors to manipulate information: social media, narratives, emerging tech etc.
This area focuses on the socio-political areas targeted by threat actors: social cohesion, political processes, health, security and foreign policy.
This issue area centres on the effects of FIMI (foreign information manipulations and interference) in terms of outcomes: cognitive impacts, social and political division, soft power projection etc.
This area classifies the types of responses to FIMI (foreign information manipulations and interference) by a range of stakeholders: regulatory, proactive and self-regulatory, reactive responses and policy recommendations.
Filters
An analysis of Russian attempts to use junk news targeting US right wing extremists, with a focus on uncovering the propagandists’ goals and motivations.
A study of alarmist narratives about online misinformation arguing that its prevalence and impact are overstated and identifying six misconceptions.
A qualitative analysis of the French extreme right’s social media strategy during the 2014 and 2019 European elections.
An investigation of susceptibility to pro-Kremlin disinformation from a cognitive-science perspective drawing on evidence from Ukraine.
An analysis of the growing importance given by the European Union to media literacy in efforts to combat disinformation.
A paper exploring whether Ukraine residents can distinguish between pro-Kremlin disinformation and true statements; and which pro-Kremlin disinformation claims are more believable.
An analysis of different techniques used to cause social fragmentation and weaken trust in political institutions as well as a discussion of mechanisms to combat them.
A study of the effects of the Russian IRA’s attempts to influence public perceptions during the 2016 US presidential election.
A review of automated techniques to detect and classify information campaigns relating to COVID-19.
A study of the Russian IRA’s attempts to use fake news to foment political extremism in the United States.
A study of the effects of visual disinformation material in democratic contexts.
A report on Russian (and other actors’) attempts to influence the 2022 French presidential and legislative elections.
An analysis of efforts by the European Commission and the EEAS to regulate disinformation in terms of ‘political opportunism’.
A study of changing technologies used to enhance disinformation campaigns.
A study cautioning against ‘securitising’ (or exaggerating) the effects of foreign disinformation campaigns.