Russia Monitor Monthly 5/23
Content
Russian Disinformation and its Influence on the Energy Sector in V4 Countries
The energy sector is the main common component of the security policy of the Visegrád Group (V4) countries. For years, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary relied heavily on the import of Russian gas and oil.
The image of Slovakia and its society in the Russian media
The relations between the Russian Federation and European countries are currently extremely complicated due to Moscow’s military operations in the east and south of Ukraine. One of the consequences of this state of affairs is the creation of a specific image of European countries by the media originating from Russia.
“Rossotrudnichestvo” as a Russian tool of influence in the Czech Republic
Due to Russian combat operations in the east and south of Ukraine, traditional forms of warfare are again of greatest interest in Europe. Meanwhile, the Russian Federation has numerous parallel cognitive activities, focused largely in the cultural sphere.
The Power of OSINT in the Digital Age: Boosting fact-checking & investigative journalism
Open-source intelligence has become a vital tool for gathering and verifying information in today’s digital age. With the rise of social media and widespread online activity, vast amounts of publicly available data can now be collected and analyzed.
Distraction and delegitimization: Disinformation as the ultimate means to frame a false bogeyman out of the democratic opposition
The recent attacks on Michal Šimečka, leader of Progressive Slovakia party, highlight a disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting opposition, media, and civil society in Slovakia. By turning Šimečka into a scapegoat, the government distracts from its own missteps, using fabricated narratives to demonize dissent and suppress public scrutiny.
Modern Poland: Innovation and Community
Poland is a country with a rich history and culture, deeply rooted in history, while also embracing innovation and modernity. Poland’s historical and cultural heritage has set the stage for many contemporary advancements, with the Polish community and diaspora playing a significant role in shaping the nation’s identity and contributing to global progress in music, the arts, science, education and technology.
Seen from the ground: The long-lasting military and geopolitical confrontation between Iran and Israel witnessed by a reporter in Lebanon and Syria
After the pogroms of October 7, 2023 and the humiliation suffered on that occasion by Israeli intelligence, the Jewish state has launched a military and political campaign outside its borders to redraw the geopolitical balance throughout the region and eliminate what the Jewish authorities believe to be the main threats to their security.
General Józef Bem: Hero of Poles, Hungarians, and Turks
A staunch enemy of Tsarist Russia, a hero of three nations, Józef Bem became famous in history as a talented general and an astute strategist.
Focus on Families and Migration Rationalization: The Visegrad Group’s Method
During the migration crisis – ongoing since 2015 – a unique perspective has emerged from Central Europe, namely from the Visegrad Four (V4) countries of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Łódź: A New Promised Land
Łódź––emblematic of nineteenth-century Polish capitalism––endures as a neglected city yet embedded into modern national consciousness
Polish research on nuclear energy: From Marie Skłodowska-Curie to the present
The history of nuclear energy research in Poland is inextricably linked with the life and achievements of Maria Skłodowska-Curie, one of the most influential scientists in history.
Tightening Immigration and Border Policy Initiatives in the Baltics
In response to escalating geopolitical risks and hitherto unseen migration pressures, the Baltic States have radically redesigned their border policy. This change has resulted in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia implementing strict border controls, erecting new security infrastructure, and tightening immigration regulations.
Ukraine, the War, and the collective West, what’s next?
The stakes this year are as high as it gets for Ukraine, as challenges arise on the front, behind the front, and on the international arena as well as if it weren’t already enough…
Promoting Poland’s Success: Crafting a Positive Global Image
Poland, a nation steeped in a storied past and characterized by its vibrant progression, possesses myriad sources of pride. Achievements in science, sports, arts, and the economy attest to the singularity of our nation, establishing a robust foundation for enhancing Poland’s image on the international stage
The Greenhill Approach and the Taxology of Instrumentalized Migration in the Belarusian Migration Crisis
The deliberate use of migration as a geopolitical instrument has attracted a lot of attention lately, especially when viewed via Kelly M. Greenhill’s taxonomy of engineered migration. This complex phenomenon shows how states and non-state actors control migratory patterns to achieve political, territorial, and military goals.
The Polish-Belarusian Border: Russian and Belarusian Narratives
In today’s geopolitical landscape, Poland is engaged in ongoing hybrid warfare with the Russian Federation. This kind of offensive operation is a cornerstone tactic for Vladimir Putin, involving spreading disinformation about the border situation and manipulating it to fit the pro-Kremlin policy and narrative.
EU-China relations in the aftermath of Russian invasion on Ukraine
The current state of China-EU relations has reached a critical juncture, necessitating strategic and decisive actions in order to foster rapprochement
What is Italy’s interest and involvement in the Three Seas region?
The Three Seas Initiative focuses its activities on the Central and Eastern European region, however the projects proposed may include the participation of not only the 13 members of the Initiative. Often other European countries are involved and can benefit from activities promoted by the Three Seas Initiative.
Belarus Uses Fugitive Polish Judge to Sow Disinformation
The Belarusian propaganda machine has been exploiting Tomasz Szmydt, a high-ranking judge from a Warsaw administrative court, to produce and disseminate propaganda content. Through both media statements and social media posts, he propagates various Russian disinformation narratives––to enhance the image of Belarus and Russia while disparaging Poland and Western countries.
How can Hungary benefit from the Three Seas Initiative?
Hungary has been a member of the Three Seas Initiative since 2015. The country’s position and role in the Three Seas Initiative is significant in several respects. The question may arise as to how the country actually views the Initiative.
Warsaw Institute
