Document:Creating or improving the structural mechanisms for tracking, analysing and responding to Russian malign influence and disinformation
| identification of academic sympathies with Russia; Providing source material for radio, TV and print and online media on impact of Russian influence; Preparation of a course on information literacy for University-level students |
strategy document by Euan Grant dated 050318Subjects: propaganda war, McCarthyism, academic restrictions
Example of: Integrity Initiative/Leak/6
Source: 'Anonymous' (2018 input 050318 Link)
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Creating or improving the structural mechanisms for tracking, analysing and responding to Russian malign influence and disinformation
Output 1. Creating or improving the structural mechanisms for tracking, analysing and responding to Russian malign influence and disinformation
Indicators:
Membership of the Cambridge Intelligence Seminars regarding identification of academic sympathies with Russia Membership and influencing of think tanks (RUSI, Chatham House and Henry Jackson Society) on IoS identification of academic publications with such sympathies (delivered and ongoing)
Providing source material for radio, TV and print and online media on impact of Russian influence (including UK Frontline Club Kleptoscope seminars on financial criminality, with emphasis on Russian impacts and funding). Delivered, and ongoing.
Providing source material to the same groups on identification of Russian speaking criminal groups and their links with Russia’s foreign, security and economic policies Initial steps towards creating a mechanism for awareness -of Russian financial activity, and its meaning - among financial institutions, taking account of all latest developments including the UK Criminal Finances act, the issuing of Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) and progress in EU MS on implementing the latest EU Money Laundering
Directive (ongoing)
Providing guidance and assessments for EU funded programmes for assessing Russian propaganda in the EU (links established with the Manchester University “Reframing Russia” project, - material delivered, ongoing)
Output 2. Commissioning in-depth research and conducting analyses of significant events
2.5. Manual of best practices. Case study evaluation carried out in relation to Russian use of Malta, and on international organisations (IMF, EU) responses to these. See also other Indicators and outputs. Delivered, available for updating.
2.5. Material written for a multi- level, multi audience manual on Russian and Russian speaking or influenced transnational strategic organised criminality for use as a text book in relation to holistic multi - agency and multi - national responses to incidents of such criminality, or to identification of precursor conditions (delivered, and ongoing: January 2018 report on the messages given in the BBC TV series McMafia)
2.5 identification of academic sympathies with Russia, in relation to corruption, especially in the international natural resources sector with likely audiences being DFID, Overseas Development institute, Transparency international, Global Witness, environmental Investigative Agency (US), EITI and world wildlife Fund (contacts made, ongoing)
Output 3. Dissemination of knowledge
3.1 Publication schedule. Material produced internally or previous under earlier auspices which can be updated and delivered at very short notice on identified or potentially emerging issues regarding Russian state linked activities in the financial sector worldwide, with defence ministries and industries, and in relation to the natural resource extractive industries, with particular attention to use in emerging technologies ( rare earths, electrification of cars), fisheries and land for agriculture, precious metals and uranium ( available, ready for monthly or quarterly standalone or series production) Available. Ongoing.
3.1. Publication schedule. Material produced internally or previously under other auspices regarding the impact of Russian speaking or Russian strategic transnational organised criminality in relation to international transport networks and to the role of private military companies and corporate bodies linked to serving or former members of the Security and Intelligence agencies and armed forces of ex-Soviet states and their Cold war and post-Cold war allies and associates, with particular emphasis on maritime and aviation organisations ( for one off or series production, and for incorporation of updated versions of Instruction and education manuals. Available. Ongoing.
3.3. Preparation of a course on information literacy for University-level students All aspects of 3.1. above are intended for incorporation, with minimal modification, into this course material, which would be subject to appropriately regular updates and, longer term, regular revisions. Initial work completed, other components capable of quick production.
3.5. Formalization of a process of dissemination by targeted emails and hard copy of papers and studies produced by the Institute or from other trusted sources. Material has already been produced as at 3.1. above and either includes, or is based upon, sensitive but open sources and which adds value well beyond material in the mainstream media. Emphasis has been given to the proposing of specific leading indicators for identifying current and future risks, for both expert and lay audiences, with emphasis on material for open source media and for academia. Material on the financial sector and its vulnerability and role as a conduit, and on the role of former members of the armed forces – particularly the air force, navy, civil aviation and merchant marine – is particularly available. In preparation, and ongoing.
3.6. Formalisation of a process of social media dissemination of relevant key points, studies etc generated either by the Institute or by a third party. Wide range of Social Media and print, voice and media links established for real time alerting and contributing, in UK, North America, EU MS and multi-lateral bodies, and in Russian speaking countries (academia, media, NGO and law enforcement and armed forces). Available for immediate circulation of own material and third-party products, with additional value added.
Euan Grant
0794 989 4643
Skype: euan.g.grant
Egrant@statecraft.org.uk
