Being quite certain, very decisive and absolutely wrong: A research into the characteristics of Russian disinformation campaigns and the countermeasures against them
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2025-08-20
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en
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In this master’s thesis, research is conducted into the characteristics that define Russian disinformation campaigns and what countermeasures there are to combat these. The geographical scope is directed at the European Union, the Netherlands, and Lithuania. By simultaneously using both the theory of disinformation and framing, a picture is created of how these two forms of weaponized information reinforce each other. Methodologically, a qualitative research approach is adopted with the use of semi-structured interviews, conducted with experts in the fields of diplomacy, intelligence, and more, combined with a document analysis on EU and Dutch policy documents. The results demonstrate that Russian disinformation campaigns must not be viewed as innocent, isolated incidents, but as strategically employed weaponized forms of information that undermine democratic societies. The disinformation campaigns are unique, sophisticated, and tough to counter. They are a strategic part of hybrid warfare, with layered positive and negative objectives. Their strategies include igniting fires in society, election manipulation, and the continuous use of malinformation. Framing is essential, as it shapes both the strategies and the messages built on narratives such as historical revisionism and anti-supranational themes. They are characterized by their reliance on quantity, which is ensured by the use of troll factories and social media as spreading mechanisms. Countermeasures range from preventive measures, such as focusing on education, enhancing media literacy, or supporting independent media, to reactive measures, which include fact-checking, debunking, reporting facilities, and more. The targeted societies must increase their efforts to counter these threats, with a preference for the use of both preventive and reactive countermeasures that incorporate the local conditions and appeal to emotions. Effort is necessary as technological innovations will keep enhancing the Kremlin’s disinformation campaigns and pose a greater threat to democratic institutions.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen