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

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

UkraineAlert

Jun 3, 2022

Imperial myths and genocidal realities: 100 days of Putin’s Ukraine War

By Nestor Barchuk

Putin’s Ukraine war relies on a series of propaganda myths that reflect modern Russia’s failure to break with its imperialistic past. If Europe wants to achieve a lasting peace, it must work toward a post-imperial Russia.

Conflict Democratic Transitions
Belarusian soldiers from the Unit 103rd Vitebsk Guard Aircraft Brigade conduct joint combat exercises with police units in the Gomel region of Belarus, Feb 16, 2022. (Source: Eyepress via Reuters Connect)

New Atlanticist

Jun 3, 2022

Russian War Report: Signs of renewed Belarusian troop movements towards Ukrainian border

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Belarusian troops seem to be on the move again toward their border with Ukraine while the Kremlin spreads claims of killed NATO officers and blames the West for global food shortages.

Belarus Disinformation

BelarusAlert

May 31, 2022

From White Russia to Belarus: Norway snubs Kremlin with name change

By Peter Dickinson

Norway has announced that it will now use the name “Belarus” instead of “Hviterussland” (literally “White Russia”) in a move reflecting growing awareness that Belarus should not be viewed through a Russian lens.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

May 31, 2022

Memo to Henry Kissinger: Appeasing Putin means enabling genocide

By Stephen Blank

Appeasing Russia will not end the war in Ukraine or secure peace in our time. On the contrary, it will embolden Putin, prolong Ukraine’s pain, weaken the West, and destabilize the entire world, writes Stephen Blank.

Conflict Disinformation

Experts