A credible and independent media is the best way to counter Russia’s information strategy in the EU

The concept of ‘hybrid warfare’, which incorporates traditional military strategies alongside media and information campaigns, has been a feature of discussions surrounding Russia’s response to the Ukraine crisis. But if this form of aggressive information warfare is being pursued by the Kremlin then how should the EU and the West respond in defending its interests?

Katarzyna Sobieraj writes that the key to countering Russia’s information strategy is to strengthen credible and independent media sources in the EU while resisting the temptation to ‘fight fire with fire’ by producing pro-EU propaganda in response.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Latvia shuts down Russian ‘propaganda’ website Sputnik http://www.europeansources.info/record/latvia-shuts-down-russian-propaganda-website-sputnik/

ESO: Background information: Russia: manipulation of information and the EU’s response http://www.europeansources.info/record/russia-manipulation-of-information-and-the-eus-response/

ESO: Background information: EU diplomats launch Russia 'myth-busting' weekly http://www.europeansources.info/showDoc?ID=1208276

---