Accession Number:

AD1038179

Title:

Russian Strategic Communications and Implications for NATO

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

AIR WAR COLL MAXWELL AFB AL MAXWELL AFB United States

Personal Author(s):

• Bridges,Jason T.

Report Date:

2017-04-06

Pagination or Media Count:

32.0

Abstract:

Recent events in Eastern Europe have raised serious concerns over the security situation on the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations NATO eastern flank. Russias activities which shaped and enabled a successful annexation of Crimea with barely a shot being fired in 2014 were actually quite remarkable and forced NATO, and certainly non-NATO members in the region, to take notice. Russian influence activities should be regarded as a primary threat to the peace, security, and stability of Eastern European nations as these activities seek to manipulate information in a manner that distorts facts and confuses audiences, which then leads to decisions and actions taken that are often not rational NATOs strategic communication StratCom should be seen as a comprehensive tool for meeting this security challenge and shaping a future security environment. Enhanced capabilities within the areas of social sciences to define and assess target audiences and promulgate messaging through media outlets, as well as enhanced development of the StratCom Center of Excellence StratCom CoE are critical to NATOs StratCom campaign as it seeks to leverage soft power on the European continent and further afield.

Descriptors:

• russia
• culture (social sciences)
• international relations
• national security
• international law
• social media
• information warfare
• international organizations
• governments
• psychology
• intergovernmental organizations
• psychological operations
• SOVIET UNION

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science
• Military Forces and Organizations
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE