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Ukraine fighting Kremlin propaganda: research and book

WORDS AND WARS

challenge

Sensational images

Concentration camps for Russian-speakers, a crucified boy, and a raped epileptic pensioner – welcome to the world of Russian propaganda. Fake and distorted information about Ukraine developed by the Kremlin in 2013–2017 is impressive in its absurdity and pathos. “In the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility,” Hitler wrote – and Russian propagandists are following this rule to the letter.

Ukraine is not the first country to face Kremlin disinformation, but in our country information attacks are taking place against the background of direct military aggression. This increased the need to study the problem carefully and develop a strategy for an appropriate response.

solution

How Russian propaganda machine works

Our project, Counteracting Russian Propaganda, studied Kremlin information impacts in Ukraine based on the experience of previous projects implemented by Internews Ukraine since 2013. As the result of the work of Ukrainian experts and journalists, a book, Words and Wars: Ukraine Fighting Kremlin Propaganda, was created and published in December 2017.

For the international community, this is the first practical manual based on the experience of a country that is currently going through a prolonged information attack. In addition to a detailed analysis of the fakes, manipulations and exaggerations of Russian propaganda, the book contains important recommendations for Ukrainian officials and the world’s community.

The book analyzes propagandists’ works even where no one actually notices it – for example, on TV and in feature films. The manual describes the methods of propaganda, which are very difficult to prove since they requires delicate manipulations of the facts and of the audience’s emotions.

outcome

The world learns from Ukraine

“This book will help me explain to British politicians and public opinion leaders things that Ukrainians now understand very well”, British Times columnist and former Economist editor Edward Lucas said about the book.

Russia spreads its destructive propaganda throughout the world, and for each audience, it has a custom narrative. That is why Ukraine’s experience is important for other independent states. Words and Wars was presented in the Council of Europe (in Strasbourg) and for institutions and experts of the European Union (in Brussels).

Based on Ukraine’s Book of the Year 2018 rankings, the book was placed in its Summer Leaders list (in the Sociology and Political Science category).

The authors conclude that Russian disinformation should be combatted systematically. The work should be carried out at the level of governments and security agencies of targeted countries since this is an issue of national and civilian security. At stake are human lives and the values of the free world.