The Matryoshka Doll: A Model for Russian Deception, Disinformation, and Chaos
Abstract
New technology allows Russia to conduct older methods of information and political warfare to achieve similar effects. In the age of information, the proliferation of "new media," defined as social media plus mobile technology, has presented new and ingenious opportunities for states like Russia to gain power through a combination of "malicious" soft power and sharp power by layering deception, political warfare (PW), information warfare (IW), cyber, and military action, much like a matryoshka (nesting doll) to undermine faith in the democratic system and gain a competitive advantage against perceived adversaries. Russian actions in Ukraine provide an opportunity to evaluate the layers of the matryoshka and Russia's primary use of PW and IW to achieve success. Russia is a revisionist power seeking to maintain their sphere of influence over what they perceive to be "lost" strategic territory. They will continue to utilize PW, IW, and cyber as the main effort to undermine democratic societies and gain or maintain a competitive advantage. The US, NATO, and their allies and partners need to recognize and counter this revisionist power to prevent further destabilization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 27, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1177180
Entities
People
- Tyler C. Quinn
Organizations
- Marine Corps University