Disinformation is the deliberate spreading of false information. We usually think about “fake” news and blatant lies spread by foreign governments. Sometimes it is done to influence voters during elections and other times to create confusion during a crisis.
This is a simplified version of the events. Authoritarian countries such as Russia, and increasingly China are involved in ongoing and expansive projects that aim to create a tilted reality. They are trying to undermine the image that western democracies have, by presenting themselves and their growing group of authoritarian allies as the future.
This political reality is crafted by blatant lies, but it’s usually based on a more subtle manipulation of information. Positive facts are emphasized to an excessive degree while unfavorable ones are ignored or removed from context so they seem more in line the narrator’s goals.
Since a long time the Kremlin uses state-sponsored media, proxy media outlets or robots to distribute a constant stream of stories, such as news articles, tweets or videos, to influence and antagonize political debates in democratic societies. Reports demonstrate that these stories reach audiences beyond the original Russian outlets. national or local media or commentators, or even online users, repeat them unknowingly.
The idea that democratic societies fail and are chaotic is a common one. The media might exaggerate crimes, corruption and social disorder or point out public protests, stagnation in the economy, or government instability as proof that democracies don’t work. The message is that democratic systems lead to chaos.
Some stories make progressive values in Western societies appear strange. They mock progressive social changes, such as LGBTQ+ rights and multiculturalism.
Other people use actual grievances, but frame them in a way that amplifies feelings of victimhood and discrimination. In the Baltic States, Russian media frequently highlights alleged persecutions of Russian-speaking citizens, suggesting that they are treated as second class citizens.
This mechanism can be seen in the growing “manosphere online, which reinforces a sense of collective victimhood and fuels distrust and division.
An authoritarian alternative
Kremlin has long used these types of stories to harm the image of democracy. They portray western societies as strange and dysfunctional. We are seeing more and more Russia and China collaborate on the global online media to present the authoritarian countries as stable, principled alternatives.
Both Russia and China criticize the “international rule-based order”, which is a framework of liberal political rules and norms that emerged following the Second World War. They view this order as being western-centric, and wish to reshape global order according to their interests.
They are collaborating on military and economic issues, but also online and in global media. Both states, as an example, often disseminate news stories that depict western countries in a neocolonial light.
A second theme is that democracies are hypocritical, as they preach equality and justice but don’t practice them. Russian and Chinese narratives are consistent with stories of the lack of unity within western alliances such as Nato, or the EU. In contrast, Russia and China appear as rational and sensible countries that are trying to protect more vulnerable nations against western exploitation.
Why are these stories so effective?
These stories seem to resonate with audiences, particularly in developing countries. It’s usually because the stories have some truth to them. The stories may focus on issues like inequality, missteps in foreign policy or dual standards. It’s also true that western countries face crises of cost of living, and that their foreign policy isn’t always consistent. The memories of colonial rule makes accusations of current exploitation more credible.
It is often the way that a story has been told that can mislead. Details are omitted or removed from context. Information that is speculative is presented as if it were fact. It creates a distorted view of the truth.
Stories are told using emotive language to trigger anger or shock. They may also be intended to evoke resentment. Disinformation could, for example, suggest that, when it comes to the conflict in Ukraine, our governments are sabotaging us, or that the ordinary people are paying the price of a ruthless elite.
The stories are full of scandal and sensationalism. They skip over nuance for emotional resonance. The stories will be shared on social media and promoted.
Truth can be complicated and boring at times. By capitalising on the fact that we tend to be drawn towards sensationalism, Russia and China are able to drip-feed us a particular worldview – one where democracy is chaotic and ineffective, and they promise a more fair and functional future.
Disinformation is no longer about outright lies, but rather about the subtle shaping of how we perceive the world. This quiet reshaping over time can go far beyond a false headline and cause us to doubt the value of democracy.
Aiden Hoyle has not disclosed any relevant affiliations other than their academic appointment. He does not work, consult, or own shares in any company or organization that would benefit from the article.
