r/europe Europe 3d ago

News Russia launches propaganda campaign in Europe “Russia is not my enemy”

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4028250-russia-launches-propaganda-campaign-in-europe-russia-is-not-my-enemy.html
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u/Mars_target Denmark 2d ago edited 2d ago

But it is.

Good, let them waste their money on this.

Edit: I see a lot of replies with people giving examples of russians doing this with success. I am from Denmark, and in my echo chamber, we are fairly united with a broad political coalition that sits heavy on the center. We are not vulnerable to Russia propaganda as much as in countries with powerful right-wing parties. We hate Russia and what they represent with a passion, and I think that is partially why we dont see a lot of influencing campaigns here because they know its a waste. But yes, it would be foolish to underestimate them.

More F16s to Ukraine!

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u/_ZakerS_ 2d ago

The russian troll campaigns are some of the most cost effective operations ever made. I personally know many pro-russian people, both from the far right, the far left and sometimes moderates too. They are just a little more vulnerable than I am.

Most of the times, they are antivax or 9/11 conspirationists. Those things are deeply connected. So, I'm sorry if I don't share your optimism.

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u/New_Zebra_3844 Europe 2d ago

It would seem that the EU could create counter-Russian troll campaigns that are equally, if not more effective within the EU, no?

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u/_ZakerS_ 2d ago

But it mostly does not. Democracies, and conglomerates of democracies even more so, have much slower/inefficient decision making regarding such things. This is a major flaw in game theory. Plus, we are talking about something unethical.

Don't you dare to conclude that western democracies are worse choices than hybrid/authoritarian regimes just because of this tough.

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u/New_Zebra_3844 Europe 2d ago

I wouldn't dare. I am just wondering if (and how) the EU could control narratives, so to speak.

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u/_ZakerS_ 2d ago

It won't. EU is weak and divided. Russian influence will ensure it stays pretty much the same.