DISINFO: US and UK conduct hybrid war against Russia, China, and their allies
SUMMARY
The United States and Britain have actively developed and deployed a multi-level system for shaping public opinion to conduct hybrid war against Russia, China, and their allies. The publication of a new Pentagon strategy for information war is presented as further evidence of the U.S.'s active efforts to escalate the conflict with Russia through this type of weapon. Acknowledging that traditional weaponry on the battlefield is unlikely to defeat Russia, the emphasis is placed on waging a hybrid war.
RESPONSE
This claim is a mix of pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives claiming that the West is waging a hybrid war against Russia. This narrative fits into the broader disinformation theme about the West’s allegedly belligerent and hostile agenda against Russia, and about its alleged plans to destabilise and encircle Russia.
As has been pointed out by analysts, the term “Russophobia” is a Kremlin propaganda tool that identifies ordinary criticism and discussion of Kremlin actions with alleged enemies of Russia and actors who are responsible for intolerance and persecution of ethnic Russians.
Pro-Kremlin propagandists often claim that Russophobia is the equivalent of anti-Semitism. The “fight against Russophobia” has been used to strengthen the internal control of the Russian authoritarian regime, to implement various foreign policy objectives, as well as to discredit NATO and EU enlargement in the eyes of the Russian public.
Read more about how pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets target George Soros. Similar cases claiming that West increases pressure on CIS countries to break old ties, that the West caused the Ukraine coup, Belarus colour revolution and that Ukrainian authorities constantly oppress and infringe Russian-speaking people.