The Kremlin’s Information Influence Campaigns in Estonia and Estonian Response in the Context of Russian-Western Relations

Sazonov Vladimir (), Ploom Illimar () and Viljar Veebel ()
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Sazonov Vladimir: Estonian Military Academy, Riia 12-302 Tartu 51010, Estonia, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18-226, Tartu 50090, Estonia
Ploom Illimar: Department of Political Science and Strategic Studies, Estonian Military Academy, Riia 12-302, Tartu 51010, Estonia.

TalTech Journal of European Studies, 2022, vol. 12, issue 1, 27-59

Abstract: The Russian Federation has developed a large number of instruments to put pressure on the West using non-conventional means such as cyber attacks, economic tools and information warfare. Using modern IT technologies in its hybrid activities, Russia, much like China or other authoritarian powers, is trying to challenge the current world order. These instruments are particularly evident in the Baltic States. This article uses Estonia as a case study to inquire into the political goals and strategic conduct of Russia. Specifically, the focus is on the political context, instruments of information war, and available countermeasures. As argued in the current study, the shift from European to Eurasian power, Russia’s careful management and success in avoiding crossing the “red lines” of its adversaries, as well as in exploiting the socioeconomic weaknesses and openness of the West, all play a relevant role in understanding the political context. As for instruments, Russia has developed strategic narratives and conspiracy theories, plus several channels next to media channels, and policy tools such as Pax Russica and the compatriot policy. These are deployed in its neighborhood and aimed at unintegrated segments of the Russophone populations.

Keywords: conspiracy theories; countermeasures; COVID-19; Estonia; information influence campaigns; Kremlin; response; Russophone population; strategic narratives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:vrs:bjeust:v:12:y:2022:i:1:p:27-59:n:8

DOI: 10.2478/bjes-2022-0002

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