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

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

360/OS

Jun 7, 2022

Ukraine at 360/OS: How Russian disinformation is fueling the war

By Layla Mashkoor, Iain Robertson

The Digital Forensic Research Lab's 360/Open Summit dug into the online ramifications of Russia's war in Ukraine, and what democracies should do now.

Disinformation Europe & Eurasia

360/OS

Jun 7, 2022

Digital Sherlocks assemble! Here’s what happened at our first in-person gathering ever.

By Layla Mashkoor, Iain Robertson

As a part of the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) fifth annual 360/Open Summit, held on June 6 and 7 in Brussels, the DFRLab assembled a cohort of Digital Sherlocks. In total, around eighty Digital Sherlocks from more than forty countries attended. Combatting disinformation and building a resilient information ecosystem can’t be done […]

Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Jun 7, 2022

Only total defeat in Ukraine can cure Russia of its imperialism

By Dennis Soltys

Despite collapsing in 1917 and 1991, today's Russia remains an unapologetically imperialistic power. Unless Putin's invasion of Ukraine ends in unambiguous defeat, we will soon witness a new round on imperial aggression.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

360/OS

Jun 7, 2022

Moderating non-English content: Transparency and local contexts are critical

By Layla Mashkoor

The decisions made by content moderators and algorithms have significant impacts, not only in online information spaces but also offline.

Disinformation Internet

360/OS

Jun 6, 2022

360/OS Contested Realities | Connected Futures day 1 round-up

By Iain Robertson, Layla Mashkoor, and Nishtha Gupta

Catch up on all the highlights from the first day of the Digital Forensic Research Lab's summit in Brussels.

Disinformation Europe & Eurasia

UkraineAlert

Jun 6, 2022

More than three-quarters of Russians still support Putin’s Ukraine War

By Peter Dickinson

The latest polling data from Russia indicates that public support for the invasion of Ukraine remains strong despite higher than expected Russian casualties and widespread accusations of war crimes.

Conflict Disinformation

Experts