Programs

The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) has operationalized the study of disinformation by exposing falsehoods and fake news, documenting human rights abuses, and building digital resilience worldwide.

Content

UkraineAlert

Mar 28, 2023

Russia’s Ukraine invasion is eroding Kremlin influence in Kazakhstan

By Kamila Auyezova

The invasion of Ukraine was meant to advance Vladimir Putin’s vision of a revived Russian Empire. Instead, it is forcing other neighboring countries like Kazakhstan to urgently reassess their own relationships with Moscow.

Central Asia Civil Society
Footage published by RIA Novosti shows Vladmir Putin’s entourage reacting after a woman reportedly yelled “This all is not true! It’s all for a show!” The clip was later edited out by the Kremlin.

New Atlanticist

Mar 24, 2023

Russian War Report: Kremlin edits footage of Mariupol visit to remove women shouting at Putin

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

After Putin was yelled at in Mariupol, the Kremlin cut the exchange from their official video. RIA Novosti published the whole interaction.

Conflict Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Mar 23, 2023

Child abductions reveal the genocidal intent behind Putin’s Ukraine invasion

By Peter Dickinson

Putin hoped his Ukraine invasion would secure his place among Russia’s greatest rulers. Instead, he looks destined to enter history as a genocidal dictator forever linked with the mass abduction of Ukrainian children, writes Peter Dickinson.

Civil Society Conflict

The 5x5

Mar 22, 2023

The 5×5—Conflict in Ukraine’s information environment

By Simon Handler

Experts provide insights on the war being waged through the Ukrainian information environment and take away lessons for the future.

Conflict Cybersecurity

Report

Mar 21, 2023

An imperative for women’s political leadership: Lessons from Brazil

By Valentina Sader, Isabel Bernhard

Women are essential to democracy, yet face systematic barriers to political entry and impact. Using the case of Brazil, we analyze the state of women’s political participation and of political violence against women. We propose timely, actionable approaches to reduce women’s unique political challenges and to further strengthen democratic health.

Americas Brazil

In the News

Mar 17, 2023

Shahid quoted in Article 14: How Indian media mainstreamed the ‘Land Jihad’ propaganda

By Atlantic Council

Disinformation India
A Ukrainian soldier of the Paratroopers' of 80th brigade listens to artillery fire a frontline position near Bakhmut, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine March 16, 2023. REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

New Atlanticist

Mar 17, 2023

Russian War Report: DFRLab confirms aerial strikes on industrial plants north of Bakhmut

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

As Russian forces continue their offensive on Bakhmut, the DFRLab examined satellite imagery to reveal the potential of missile attacks.

Central Europe Conflict

UkraineAlert

Mar 14, 2023

Ukraine must do more to counter Russian narratives in the Global South

By Mitchell Polman

While Ukraine enjoys overwhelming support from the West, the Global South remains reluctant to oppose or even criticize Russia's ongoing invasion. Ukraine must do more to influence opinion in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Africa Conflict
Ukrainian service members from a battalion, named of nom-de-guerre of their commander 'Da Vinci', Hero of Ukraine, who was killed in a fight against Russian troops, fire a howitzer M119 at a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the city of Bakhmut, Ukraine March 10, 2023. REUTERS/Oleksandr Ratushniak bakhmut

New Atlanticist

Mar 10, 2023

Russian War Report: Russian army advances toward Bakhmut, but its offensive capabilities remain unclear

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The Russian army advances toward Bakhmut while a large-scale russian air attack targets civilian infrastructure.

Conflict Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Mar 9, 2023

Will morale prove the decisive factor in the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

By Peter Dickinson

Putin is preparing for a long war in Ukraine and still believes he can outlast the West, but mounting signs of demoralization among mobilized Russian soldiers may pose a serious threat to the success of his invasion, writes Peter Dickinson.

Civil Society Conflict

Experts