The Role of Information and Ideological Security in the Counter-Strategy War in Eurasia

Darya Uskova,
School of Governance and Politics, MGIMO University

Anna Usvyatsova,
School of Governance and Politics, MGIMO University

Abstract. This article explores the concept of hybrid warfare and its implications for modern international relations. The increasing use of hybrid warfare poses a threat to global security and stability, necessitating effective countermeasures and international cooperation. This article also focuses on the specific information and ideological threats faced by Russia amid ongoing conflicts, particularly the situation in Ukraine. It discusses three core threats: cyberterrorism, the spread of deception and fake news by foreign mass media, and Russophobia. To address these threats, Russia needs to protect its critical infrastructure from cyber attacks, develop its own media resources to counter false narratives, and work towards building a positive image in the West. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of information and ideological security in the face of hybrid warfare. It highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that include legal frameworks, education, cybersecurity, responsible journalism, intelligence agencies, international cooperation, civil society engagement, and the empowerment of digital platforms. By adopting a multi-faceted approach, Russia can effectively confront information and ideological threats, ensuring its national security and societal resilience.

Research methods: analysis, induction, deduction, abstraction, modeling, case studies.

Key words: hybrid war, international relations, cyberattacks, propaganda, countermeasures, cybersecurity, intelligence gathering, global threat, information warfare, national interests.

Introduction. Hybrid war has become a significant part of modern international relations, characterized by the use of a combination of conventional and unconventional tactics to achieve political objectives. It involves a range of activities, including cyberattacks, propaganda, and covert operations, aimed at destabilizing a target country's political, economic, and social systems. The use of hybrid warfare has increased in recent years, with countries such as Russia and China being accused of using these tactics to advance their interests. The impact of hybrid warfare on global security and stability is a growing concern, highlighting the need for effective countermeasures and international cooperation.

In order to resist the impact of hybrid war, countries are adopting various countermeasures, including enhancing their cyber security capabilities, improving intelligence gathering and sharing, and strengthening their military and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, countries are investing in propaganda and information campaigns to counter false narratives and disinformation spread by hybrid warfare actors. International cooperation and coordination are also crucial in resisting the impact of hybrid warfare, as it is a global threat that requires a collective response. Ultimately, countries must remain vigilant and adaptive to the evolving tactics of hybrid warfare to safeguard their security and stability.

Background. Today the question of hybrid warfare in Eurasia is an edge. The ongoing information and ideological confrontation between the West and Russia is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. Russia has been challenged to protect its national interests and sovereignty since the times of the Cold War, ensuring information and ideological security. However, the intensity of the hostile actions has been changing over time, with the goal remaining the same – to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and withdraw it from the rank of great powers.

Today, as Russia conducts a special military operation to protect Donbass, the actions of Western states have become even more aggressive. The hybrid war has reached a new level, and Russia is now subject to tremendous pressure in terms of both information and ideology.

There are some core threats that Russia is facing today amid the armed confrontation in Ukraine. The first one is cyber terrorism. Apart from the autonomous Ukrainian hacker groups, the West is actively recruiting hackers to carry out operations against Russia within the frameworks of legal institutions. In June 2022 the head of the US Cyber command Paul Nakasone has revealed that US military hackers have conducted offensive cyber operations against Russia in support of Ukraine[1]. According to him, these attacks were conducted “through policy decided at the Department of Defence”. Pursuant to Russian Federal Security Service, more than 5,000 hacker attacks on the country's critical infrastructure have been recorded since the beginning of 2022[2]. Ukrainian network infrastructure is being used for cyber operations by Western countries, which covertly try and use new types of cyber weapons.

The second threat is deception and fakes spread by foreign mass media and media resources supported financially by foreign governments and corporations. Since the beginning of Russia's special military operation to protect Donbass, Roskomnadzor has detected and blocked more than 157,000 fake messages on the internet published mostly by foreign mass media and media resources recognized as foreign agents. Such media encouraged Russian people to participate in anti-war rallies and commit terrorist attacks. On April 4, 2023, a terrorist attack was carried out on Vladlen Tatarsky, Russian writer and famous war correspondent. It turned out that the terrorist shared the views of Navalny’s FBK (organization recognized as a foreign agent and forbidden in Russia as an extremist), which, amid the special military operation to protect Donbass, acts in favor of western counterparts and Ukrainian nationalists, calling for committing acts of violence against Russian opinion leaders.

The third threat is Russophobia. Russia has been facing an unfounded fear,

distrust, or hatred of itself and its people. Nowadays anything related to Russia is subject to cancellation culture in the West since the beginning of the special military operation[3]. Hundreds of monuments have been dismantled to the most outstanding Russian art workers, statesmen, scholars and heroes of the Great Patriotic War. Violations of the rights of Russians in the states of the collective West have become widespread. The media also plays a significant role in perpetuating Russophobic attitudes through biased reporting and sensationalism.

To counter and offset these threats, Russia needs to take measures to protect its critical infrastructure from cyber attacks. It also needs to develop its own media resources that can counter the false narratives being spread by foreign media. Finally, it needs to work towards building a positive image of Russia in the West and promoting dialogue and understanding between the two sides.

Russia should also focus on strengthening its alliances with other countries that share similar interests and values. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is one of the examples of such an alliance, which includes China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The SCO aims to promote cooperation in areas such as security, economy, and culture. By strengthening alliances with other countries, Russia can reduce its dependence on the West and mitigate the impact of hostile actions.

Furthermore, Russia should continue to pursue a balanced foreign policy that prioritizes its national interests while also promoting peace and stability in the international community. This approach can help to build trust and understanding between Russia and other countries.

Research description. In an era defined by globalization and technological advancements, Russia, like many other countries, faces a range of information and ideological threats that have the potential to undermine its national security, unity, and social fabric. This article aims to shed light on the specific challenges that Russia encounters in this domain and explores potential countermeasures to mitigate these threats effectively. One can identify the following threats to Russia:

1. Disinformation Campaigns. Russia has been a frequent target of disinformation campaigns, both domestic and foreign, aimed at manipulating public opinion, sowing discord, and influencing political outcomes. These campaigns often exploit existing societal fault lines and disseminate false narratives through traditional media outlets, social media platforms, and online troll networks. To counter disinformation, Russia can focus on strengthening media literacy programs, supporting fact-checking initiatives, and enhancing transparency in media ownership. Collaboration with international partners in sharing intelligence and countering cross-border disinformation campaigns is also crucial.
2. Foreign Influence Operations. Russia faces foreign influence operations

seeking to sway political processes, shape public opinion, and undermine the country's stability. These operations often exploit political, economic, and social vulnerabilities, aiming to create divisions within society. Strengthening cybersecurity measures, conducting thorough assessments of foreign investment and partnerships, and promoting transparency in lobbying and campaign financing are essential steps to safeguard against such influence. Additionally, promoting dialogue and cooperation with other nations to combat transnational influence campaigns can enhance Russia's resilience.

3. Radicalization and Extremism. Radical ideologies and extremism pose significant threats to Russia's ideological security. This includes both religious extremism, such as jihadist movements, as well as various nationalist and separatist movements. It is vital to address the root causes of radicalization, including socio-economic disparities, discrimination, and lack of opportunities. Comprehensive counter-radicalization strategies should include targeted educational programs, community engagement, interfaith dialogue, and rehabilitation efforts for those susceptible to extremist ideologies.
4. Cyber Threats and Critical Infrastructure Security. Cyber threats, including hacking, cyber espionage, and attacks on critical infrastructure, pose a significant challenge to Russia's information security. Developing robust cybersecurity frameworks, fostering collaboration between government agencies and private sectors, promoting responsible digital practices, and investing in advanced technological defenses are essential. Strengthening international cooperation on cybersecurity, sharing threat intelligence, and engaging in bilateral agreements to combat cyber threats can bolster Russia's defenses.
5. Ethnic and Religious Tensions. Russia’s diverse ethnic and religious landscape presents a unique set of challenges in maintaining social cohesion and harmony. Ethnic and religious tensions can be exploited by external actors seeking to undermine Russia's unity. Encouraging dialogue, promoting tolerance, and investing in cultural and interfaith programs can help bridge divides and foster a sense of national unity. Strengthening regional cooperation, addressing grievances, and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens are vital components of countering these threats.
6. Media Landscape and Propaganda. Russia’s media landscape is diverse, but it also faces challenges regarding media ownership, biased reporting, and the dissemination of propaganda. Encouraging independent journalism, promoting media literacy, and ensuring transparency in media ownership are key steps to counter biased reporting and propaganda. Supporting platforms for alternative voices, fact-checking initiatives, and fostering a culture of critical thinking can contribute to a more informed and resilient society.
7. Cultural and Ideological Integration. The cultural and ideological integration of diverse populations within Russia is critical to national unity and security. Supporting inclusive policies that foster integration, addressing discrimination, promoting intercultural dialogue, and recognizing and preserving the rights of minority groups are crucial. Enhancing social cohesion through community engagement, education, and cultural exchange programs can help counter divisive ideologies and ensure a strong and unified nation.

As mentioned above, in today's interconnected world, ensuring information and ideological security has become a critical aspect of safeguarding a country's sovereignty, stability, and societal well-being. As nations face an influx of information from diverse sources, protecting citizens from harmful ideologies, disinformation, and external manipulation has emerged as a formidable challenge. This article presents a comprehensive framework to promote information and ideological security, encompassing a range of strategies and measures that the Russian government can adopt to safeguard their citizens and preserve national unity. Among them there are the following:

1. Building a Robust Legal Framework. A strong legal foundation is essential for protecting a country's information and ideological security. Governments should enact and enforce laws that criminalize activities such as dissemination of hate speech, incitement to violence, and propaganda that threatens national unity. These laws should strike a balance between protecting freedom of speech and preventing the spread of harmful ideologies that can incite violence or undermine societal harmony.
2. Strengthening Education and Media Literacy. Investing in education and media literacy programs is crucial for equipping citizens with critical thinking skills, enabling them to discern accurate information from disinformation or propaganda. Governments should promote media literacy from an early age, incorporating it into school curricula and offering public awareness campaigns that teach citizens to evaluate sources, recognize bias, and differentiate between fact and opinion. Such initiatives empower individuals to make informed decisions and resist manipulation.
3. Enhancing Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity. With the proliferation of digital technologies, ensuring digital literacy and cybersecurity is vital for protecting a nation's information infrastructure. Governments should prioritize cybersecurity education and awareness programs, training citizens to recognize online threats, protect personal information, and identify potential cyber attacks. Additionally, fostering a strong cybersecurity framework at the national level is crucial, including robust defenses against hacking, malware, and other cyber threats.
4. Promoting Ethical Journalism and Media Regulation. A responsible and independent media plays a pivotal role in ensuring information integrity. Governments should promote ethical journalism practices and support self- regulatory bodies that uphold professional standards. Transparent media regulation that ensures fair reporting, encourages diverse perspectives, and discourages sensationalism can enhance information reliability and prevent the dissemination of harmful ideologies.
5. Establishing National Intelligence and Counter-Disinformation Agencies. Governments should establish specialized intelligence agencies to monitor and analyze domestic and foreign threats to information and ideological security. These agencies can actively track and counter disinformation campaigns, foreign interference, and extremist propaganda. Collaborative efforts with international partners can further enhance the effectiveness of intelligence and counter- disinformation measures.
6. Strengthening International Cooperation. Information and ideological security are global challenges that require international collaboration. Governments should actively engage with international organizations, such as the United Nations and regional bodies, to exchange best practices, develop common frameworks, and coordinate efforts to counter the spread of harmful ideologies. Sharing intelligence, conducting joint investigations, and establishing information-sharing mechanisms can enhance collective security against common threats.
7. Engaging Civil Society and Promoting Dialogue. Civil society organizations, community leaders, and religious institutions have a crucial role in promoting information and ideological security. Governments should encourage open dialogue, create platforms for discussions, and actively engage with various segments of society. Promoting inclusive, tolerant, and respectful public discourse can help counter divisive ideologies and foster a sense of national unity.
8. Empowering Digital Platforms. Collaboration with digital platforms is vital in curbing the spread of disinformation and harmful ideologies. Governments should work with social media companies and other digital platforms to develop and enforce policies that prevent the dissemination of extremist content, hate speech, and disinformation. Encouraging responsible algorithmic practices and fostering transparency in content moderation can help maintain a safer digital environment.
9. Improving the Russian legislative system regarding the control of information space. Namely, monitoring the activities of terrorist and extremist organizations within the network; monitoring activities calling for the change of the state system in the Russian Federation. It is also of high importance to regulate the actions of state bodies in case state electronic systems are damaged by computer viruses and DDOS attacks.
10. Developing Russian own «soft power» tools. This line of work is important to promote ideas, spiritual and material values that Russia can potentially bring with it when coming to a particular territory. Russia should demonstrate to other societies the elements of its spiritual and material cultures, which potentially can serve as the motivation for other societies to voluntarily turn towards Russia, cooperate with it, and support it on the international area.

Results and conclusion. Thus, in an era defined by the complexities of hybrid warfare, information and ideological security have emerged as critical aspects of safeguarding a country's sovereignty, stability, and societal well-being. This article has shed light on the specific information and ideological threats faced by Russia, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts and the evolving nature of international relations. Russia, like many other countries, confronts a range of challenges in this domain. Addressing these threats requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that encompasses legal frameworks, education and media literacy, cybersecurity measures, responsible journalism, intelligence agencies, international cooperation, civil society engagement, and the empowerment of digital platforms. In combating radicalization and extremism, Russia should address root causes such as socio-economic disparities, discrimination, and lack of opportunities. Comprehensive strategies should include targeted educational programs, community engagement, interfaith dialogue, and rehabilitation efforts. To protect against cyber threats and ensure critical infrastructure security, Russia needs to develop robust cybersecurity frameworks, foster collaboration between government agencies and private sectors, and invest in advanced technological defenses.

Building a positive image in the West and strengthening alliances with

countries that share similar interests and values can reduce dependence on the West and mitigate the impact of hostile actions. A balanced foreign policy that prioritizes national interests while promoting peace and stability in the international community can help build trust and understanding between Russia and other nations.

In conclusion, Russia must adopt a proactive and adaptive approach to confront information and ideological threats effectively. By implementing the strategies and measures discussed in this article, Russia can safeguard its national security, preserve social cohesion, and promote a resilient society. Additionally, international cooperation and collaboration are vital in countering the global challenges posed by hybrid warfare. The collective effort of nations is necessary to ensure global security and stability in the face of evolving tactics and threats.

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