The corrosive goal of the Kremlin's disinformation barrage on the West and a way forward

https://www.cepa.org/question-more

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"This is because Russian influence operations mostly involve exploiting divisions. These can be cultural, demographic, ethnic, historical, linguistic, political, regional, religious, social, or stem from some other fault-line—such as beliefs about health, in the case of vaccination. The facts are not the point. The aim is to undermine the cohesion which makes societies resilient. If you fear and distrust those around, above and below you, you will not come to their aid if they are attacked (and they will not do the same for you). A fragmented society cannot defend itself."

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"Finding counter-measures is hard. Banning the conspiracy-mongers allows them to claim martyrdom. Trying to refute their theories with facts is usually fruitless: they respond with more tendentious questions. The long-run answer is to improve the state of our society, treating transparency, accountability, trust, and cohesion as national security priorities.

The most immediate response is to be prepared. Next time you see a controversy flare up—even one that seems far away from politics or foreign affairs—do not assume it is wholly home-grown. Ask yourself who may have an interest in stoking it. In short: question more."