Recent analysis

Programs

The Atlantic Council Technology Programs comprises five existing efforts—the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), the GeoTech Center, the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, the Democracy + Tech Initiative, and the Capacity Building Initiative. These operations work together to address the geopolitical implications of technology and provide policymakers and global stakeholders necessary research, insights, and convenings to address challenges around global technology and ensure its responsible advancement.

Content

Ukrainian service members fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launch system, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the town of Bakhmut, Donetsk region Ukraine June 12, 2022. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

New Atlanticist

Jun 17, 2022

Russian War Report: Russian governor accuses Ukraine of launching multiple attacks on Kursk 

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

The governor of Russia's Kursk Oblast accused Ukrainian forces of opening fire on two locations in the region. Meanwhile, pro-Kremlin Telegram channels recycle narratives about Western weapon sales again.

Disinformation Eastern Europe

UkraineAlert

Jun 17, 2022

Unholy War: UK sanctions Putin’s Patriarch for backing Ukraine invasion

By Taras Kuzio

This week's UK decision to impose sanctions on the head of the Russian Orthodox Church highlights international alarm over Patriarch Kirill's enthusiastic support for Vladimir Putin's war of imperial aggression in Ukraine.

Conflict Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Jun 17, 2022

Why fear of provoking Putin is the most provocative policy of all

By Alyona Getmanchuk

It is now abundantly clear that cautious policies toward Russia driven by a misguided fear of provoking Putin have in fact provoked Europe’s biggest war since the days of Hitler and Stalin, argues Alyona Getmanchuk.

Conflict Corruption

In the News

Jun 16, 2022

White in CyberScoop on Russia and information operations

By Atlantic Council

"TJ" White was quoted in CyberScoop saying that the Russian focus on information operations has been unyielding. White, however, argued that Russian information war objectives have been thwarted to a large degree by Starlink satellite internet and by the fact that many Ukrainians have virtual private networks.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

BelarusAlert

Jun 15, 2022

Renewed Belarus military buildup is a sign of Lukashenka’s desperation

By Brian Whitmore

Belarus dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka is saber-rattling on the Ukrainian border once again but it is unclear whether he is genuinely preparing to invade Ukraine or merely seeking to demonstrate his loyalty to Putin.

Belarus Conflict

UkraineAlert

Jun 13, 2022

Vladimir Putin’s dark journey from economic reformer to war criminal

By Anders Åslund

Vladimir Putin's recent boasts of waging war in Ukraine to "reclaim" historic Russian land mark a new low in his journey from would-be economic reformer to unapologetic authoritarian and enthusiastic imperialist.

Conflict Corruption

UkraineAlert

Jun 10, 2022

Putin admits Ukraine invasion is an imperial war to “return” Russian land

By Peter Dickinson

By abandoning all pretense and comparing himself to Peter the Great, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he is waging an old-fashioned imperial war of conquest with the goal of annexing Ukrainian land.

Conflict Disinformation

BelarusAlert

Jun 8, 2022

Belarus bluff? Putin’s only ally sparks fears of possible new Kyiv offensive

By Peter Dickinson

Intensifying military activity in southern Belarus is fueling speculation over a possible renewed Russian assault on Kyiv but the true objective may be to tie down Ukrainian troops and prevent redeployment to eastern Ukraine.

Belarus Conflict

360/OS

Jun 7, 2022

360/OS Contested Realities | Connected Futures day 2 round-up

By Layla Mashkoor and Nishtha Gupta

All the highlights from the second day of the Digital Forensic Research Lab's 360/OS event in Brussels.

Disinformation Internet

BelarusAlert

Jun 7, 2022

Lukashenka plays chief enabler as Putin threatens to expand Ukraine war

By Brian Whitmore

Alyaksandr Lukashenka has publicly sought to distance himself from the Russian invasion of Ukraine but the Belarusian dictator is now once again becoming deeply involved as Vladimir Putin threatens to escalate the war.

Belarus Conflict

Experts