Information warfare: future challenges of Latvia and Ukraine
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21847/1728-9343.2018.5(157).148661Keywords:
hybrid warfare, hybrid aggression, informational influence, conflict, mass media, Ukraine, LatviaAbstract
The article covers a social and philosophical analysis of essential attributes and multiple manifestations of the information hybrid warfare in Latvia and Ukraine. The combination of forms, methods, means and tools in preparation for and committing hybrid aggression varies depending on the conditions of its implementation, response of international community and regional specifics.
Further, there is a certain general algorithm for launching hybrid warfare. Usually it comprises a number of stages and the role of mass media at each is different.
The initial hybrid influence of Russian media in Ukraine can be traced back to the period following the victory of the Maidan in 2014. At the first stage the hidden information aggression of Russia against Ukraine manifested itself in absolutization of language and confession issues, speculation on economic difficulties, emphasizing the incompatibility of values of the West and East of Ukraine, which are focused on Europe and Russia, respectively. The second stage unfolded concurrently with the Revolution of Dignity. Media purposefully presented a unilaterally distorted “picture” of social disorder and collapse of the government machinery at the time and aggravated the pre-developed stereotypes and myths in respect of the fundamental incapability of the Ukrainians to have their state. The third stage fell at a “hot phase” of the armed conflict. It featured a great number of fake news and information as well as blatant lie of Russian media.
As to the information aggression of Russia against Latvia, it should be primarily taken into account here that the latter is a member of the NATO and European Union, which Moscow is unwilling to enter into an open conflict with, therefore using an arsenal of non-military tools of hybrid warfare against EU countries.References
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