Renowned academic and author Edward Lucas spoke to students about the information war Russia has waged on the west since before Vladimir Putin.
Mr Lucas spoke of Russian propaganda shaping the nations international perspectives and the dangers of a country fed disinformation by its government. Despite this, he believes that satire could be the answer to breaking down Russia’s propaganda.
With particular attention to news program, Russia Today, Lucas outlined the biased nature of Russia’s national media and the narrative they have constructed. Mr Lucas believes western democracy is portrayed as a hoax and the glorification of pro-Putin youth militants is adding to the danger a misinformed country can inflict.
Speaking in his personal capacity, Mr Lucas, who is also a senior editor of The Economist, said the information coming from companies like Russia Today are designed to instil not only skepticism, but mistrust and fear.
Although it is difficult to regulate the output of information due to censorship issues, Mr Lucas believes Russia should be monitored heavily by bodies such as The Council of Europe, who can survey human rights of the people as well as the effects on national security.
In a country where access is used as a currency, Mr Lucas said, journalists must learn to determine the truth of the information and to defend it. – Lily Mayers
Top photo by Dan Walker.
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