The Russian government has released extensive propaganda suggesting that Western nations, namely the United States, genetically engineered the Covid-19 virus. The European Union’s External Action Service reported almost 80 incidents of disinformation between the end of January of 2020 and the end of March of 2020. 

University of California, Davis

Freedom of Press is a fundamental civil liberty.  Government-run media groups and media groups under government-pressure have been used to disseminate propaganda and conspiracy theories, many of which contained false information.  This state control and pressure undermines the freedom of press in the Federation of Russia in a way that undermines the free spread of information and trust in government.

Russian Federation and Rejection of a Free Press

Propaganda can be hard to define, but is broadly defined as the intentional manipulation of public opinion with a specific set of goals, often defined by partial truths, opinion, and a blend of truth with outright falsehood.   These nuances make it challenging for less critical audiences to distinguish propaganda from the free exchange of ideas.  Propaganda is created intentionally with these goals but can also be propagated unknowingly.

Propaganda

Conspiracy theories reject the accepted explanation for harmful or tragic events in favor of an explanation focusing on the actions of a powerful group.  Conspiracy theories are often propagated at times of societal unrest, namely during war, economic depression, natural disaster, and pandemic.  Conspiracy theories are not necessarily created to intentionally manipulate an audience, but are generally lacking in legitimate evidence.  Many include false information or false conclusions.  Much like propaganda, conspiracy theories often mix truth with falsehood, making it harder for less critical audiences to distinguish the two.  


Conspiracy Theories

Sukhankin, Sergey, COVID-19 As a Tool of Information Confrontation: Russia’s Approach (April 1, 2020). The School of Public Policy Publications, Volume 13:3, April 2020 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3566689

 COVID-19 As a Tool of Information Confrontation: Russia’s Approach

Russian Propaganda in the form of Disinformation and Conspiracy Theory

Russia also pointed to the US shortages of toilet paper and cleaning products, as well as potential withdrawal from the World Health Organization to suggest that the US is internally chaotic and unwilling to aid in a global effort of recovery.  While none of this is factually incorrect, government control in the dissemination of this narrative is a violation of freedom of the press and the message of these claims is calculated and strategic, therefore considered propaganda.

Russian Propaganda in the form of a Fact Based Narrative

This disinformation has been disseminated through a variety of mediums including state-controlled media, social media, and academia. They have also used a variety of linguistic cues to build connection with diverse audiences and citation of relatively legitimate sources to  build credibility with more knowledgeable individuals.  The Russian Government has been strategic in its diverse use of mediums, linguistic and cultural cues, and factual content in order to reach the broadest audience with its messaging.

Dissemination of  Russian Propaganda

It has been suggested that this is also a political move to strengthen ties to China, Iran, Turkey, and other Eastern allies, and undermine trust in Western nations and Western liberalism, namely free markets and democratic elections.  It feeds into existing frustrations with American and Western European sanctions, which have had a significantly adverse effect on the Russian energy sector, additionally hit by low demand during global shelter-in-place orders.

Learn Before

Related