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The Russian "Firehose of Falsehood" Propaganda Model: Why It Might Work and Options to Counter It

Overview

"Since its 2008 incursion into Georgia (if not before), there has been a remarkable evolution in Russia's approach to propaganda. The country has effectively employed new dissemination channels and messages in support of its 2014 annexation of the Crimean peninsula, its ongoing involvement in the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, and its antagonism of NATO allies. The Russian propaganda model is high-volume and multichannel, and it disseminates messages without regard for the truth. It is also rapid, continuous, and repetitive, and it lacks commitment to consistency. Although these techniques would seem to run counter to the received wisdom for successful information campaigns, research in psychology supports many of the most successful aspects of the model. Furthermore, the very factors that make the firehose of falsehood effective also make it difficult to counter. Traditional counterpropaganda approaches will likely be inadequate in this context. More effective solutions can be found in the same psychology literature that explains the surprising success of the Russian propaganda model and its messages."

Why is this important?

Although most of the information in this RAND Perspective is not new, this is a good and relatively short piece that highlights attributes of Russia’s disinformation campaigns. Most notable is the observation that Russian propaganda is not committed to consistency. Across platforms, and even within individual organizations, inconsistencies need not be deconflicted. Without the need to coordinate messages with a central authority, disinformation can be shared rapidly. The short section on countermeasures also comes up short, failing to mention the importance of using education to empower recognition of credible sources and information. However, for one getting up to speed on weaponized narratives, and the nation employing them most effectively, this is a good, quick primer. KS

Creator

Christopher Paul
Miriam Matthews

Publication Date

August 9, 2017