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Nina Jankowicz15 August 2020

Russian Election Meddling & Fake News - Nina Jankowicz - #210

0Frameworks
10Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster06:30

Russia Doesn't Create Divisions — It Exploits Existing Ones

Contrary to popular belief, Russia doesn't invent societal divisions but identifies and amplifies real fissures in American society — like race, politics, and class — to deepen polarization and erode trust in democracy.

  • Russia targets pre-existing societal cleavages such as race, economic inequality, and political polarization.
  • The goal is not to promote one ideology, but to inflame both sides of an issue.
  • This strategy weakens democratic engagement by fostering mutual distrust.
  • The IRA's success lies in using emotionally resonant content, not outright falsehoods.

“Russia doesn't create this stuff — it exploits it. They look for fissures in our society and poke at them from either side.”

Nina Jankowicz · 06:30
#disinformation#polarization#russia#propaganda

Hot Take· 1

Hot Take36:00

We Can't Ignore China While Focusing on Russia

While Russia specializes in sowing chaos, China promotes its global image through state propaganda. Both pose distinct but serious threats to democratic discourse.

  • China's disinformation aims to elevate its global status, not destabilize democracies.
  • It uses overt state media like CGTN and diplomatic accounts to push narratives.
  • China has not yet mastered the subtle manipulation tactics Russia uses.
  • Both nations exploit weaknesses in Western democracies, requiring a dual response.

“We can be worried about both at once — and that's actually what makes it a much more difficult challenge.”

Nina Jankowicz · 37:00
#china#russia#disinformation#geopolitics

Explainer· 3

Explainer01:30

What Is the Internet Research Agency?

The Internet Research Agency (IRA) is a Russian troll farm based in St. Petersburg, known for manipulating online discourse in democracies like the U.S. and Ukraine. Funded by a Putin-linked oligarch, it employs hundreds to push divisive content across social media.

  • The IRA is a Russian state-linked troll farm headquartered in St. Petersburg.
  • It is funded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Putin-connected oligarch known as 'Putin's chef'.
  • The agency uses hundreds of operatives to influence political discourse in Western democracies.
  • Ukraine served as a testing ground for IRA tactics before they were deployed in the U.S.

“The internet research agency is this infamous troll farm that exists in St. Petersburg, Russia.”

Nina Jankowicz · 01:30
#russia#disinformation#social-media#ira
Explainer07:00

How Russia Amplifies Both Sides of the Political Aisle

The IRA doesn't just support one candidate or ideology — it promotes opposing viewpoints simultaneously to create chaos, distrust, and disengagement from democracy.

  • The IRA ran pro-Trump, pro-Sanders, and pro-Clinton content to maximize division.
  • Their strategy is to 'flood the zone with information' so people disengage from politics.
  • This benefits Moscow by weakening Western democracies and making them appear dysfunctional.
  • The goal is not election outcomes, but long-term erosion of trust in institutions.

“They were agitating on both sides of the spectrum — pro-Leave, pro-Remain, pro-Trump, pro-Sanders. The idea is to flood the zone with information so people…”

Nina Jankowicz · 07:00
#russia#election-interference#polarization#disinformation
Explainer15:00

Russia Uses Real People, Not Just Bots, to Spread Disinformation

Rather than relying solely on fake accounts, Russia amplifies real activists and movements — sometimes wittingly, sometimes not — to spread divisive narratives and lend authenticity to its campaigns.

  • The IRA identifies and funds real activists who align with their goals.
  • They use 'information laundering' — pushing narratives through authentic local voices.
  • A CNN investigation found the IRA hired PR firms in Ghana and Nigeria to spread messaging.
  • Fringe media outlets often unknowingly amplify Russian narratives.

“Russia continues its information laundering using authentic local voices to deliver or amplify a divisive message — sometimes wittingly, sometimes unwittingly.”

Nina Jankowicz · 15:00
#disinformation#russia#propaganda#media-manipulation

Story· 1

Story11:00

The July 4th Les Misérables Flash Mob Was Funded by Russia

In 2017, a musical flash mob in Washington, D.C., organized by activist Ryan Clayton, was unknowingly funded by the IRA. The event, meant to demand Trump's impeachment, was amplified using targeted Facebook ads.

  • The IRA spent $80 on Facebook ads to promote a July 4th 2017 flash mob of 'Les Misérables' fans protesting Trump.
  • Organizer Ryan Clayton had no idea the funding came from Russia.
  • The event was cited in the Mueller investigation as evidence of ongoing Russian interference.
  • It shows how real-world activism can be covertly manipulated by foreign actors.

“Ryan, did you know the Internet Research Agency bought $80 worth of ads to turn out more people to your protest?”

Nina Jankowicz · 13:00
#russia#disinformation#social-media#mueller-investigation

Q&A· 1

Q&A23:00

What Were Some of Russia's 2016 Facebook Ads Like?

The IRA tested a wide range of content in 2016, from bizarre memes to emotionally charged posts. Some were ineffective, but others successfully targeted cultural flashpoints.

  • One ad featured a golden retriever with a U.S. flag and a red star bandana asking if it would be a great week.
  • Other ads targeted Beyoncé fans and encouraged children to wear MAGA gear.
  • Many ads were experimental — part of a 'spaghetti at the wall' approach.
  • The most effective content built trust over time before pushing political actions.

“This dog didn't do that well — a golden retriever with a red and white star bandana, holding an American flag. If you think it's…”

Nina Jankowicz · 23:30
#russia#facebook#disinformation#2016-election

Tool· 1

Tool27:00

Russia Controlled the Largest Black Activist Facebook Page

The Facebook page 'Blacktivist,' which had more followers than Black Lives Matter, was operated by the IRA. It targeted African Americans with content designed to suppress voter turnout and deepen racial tensions.

  • Blacktivist was a Russian-operated Facebook page posing as a civil rights group.
  • It had more followers than the official Black Lives Matter page at its peak.
  • Content included both anti-police brutality and pro-secessionist messaging.
  • The campaign aimed to discourage Black Americans from voting.

“Blacktivist was the name of the page — and it had more Facebook followers than Black Lives Matter.”

Nina Jankowicz · 27:00
#russia#disinformation#social-media#race

Takeaway· 2

Takeaway22:00

Facebook Groups Are a Major Vector for Disinformation

Closed Facebook groups, with minimal oversight, have become breeding grounds for manipulated narratives, as bad actors exploit their sense of community and trust.

  • Facebook's algorithm prioritizes group engagement, making them attractive for manipulation.
  • Closed groups lack transparency and moderation, allowing disinformation to spread unchecked.
  • Users often assume members are genuine, but many may be inauthentic accounts.
  • This makes groups ideal for long-term trust-building before pushing agendas.

“Facebook is using groups now as such an important part of its platform — that's where we're seeing a lot of scary information being shared…”

Nina Jankowicz · 22:00
#social-media#facebook#disinformation#online-communities
Takeaway09:00

You Can't Fight Foreign Disinformation Without Fixing Domestic Truth Decay

The U.S. can't effectively counter Russian disinformation without first addressing its own crisis of truth, media literacy, and political polarization.

  • Domestic disinformation is just as dangerous as foreign efforts.
  • A healthy democracy requires investment in education, media literacy, and public journalism.
  • The U.S. spends only $3 per person annually on public broadcasting.
  • Without political will, no amount of tech regulation will solve the problem.

“You can't fight Russian disinformation if you're not addressing domestic disinformation as well.”

Nina Jankowicz · 09:00
#disinformation#media-literacy#democracy#truth