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

File photo of Russian firefighter. (Source: EMERCOM)

New Atlanticist

May 3, 2022

Russian War Report: New fires and alleged sabotage operations across Russian territory 

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Over the past week, numerous strategic facilities on Russian territory have caught fire drawing accusation of sabotage. 

Disinformation Human Rights

UkraineAlert

May 2, 2022

Lavrov’s anti-Semitic outburst exposes absurdity of Russia’s “Nazi Ukraine” claims

By Peter Dickinson

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has sparked a diplomatic scandal with an anti-Semitic outburst that underlines the absurdity of Russia’s relentless “Nazi Ukraine” propaganda claims.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Apr 30, 2022

Ukraine War Diary: “You can never really get used to the air raid sirens”

By Vitaly Sych

Ukrainian media personality Vitaly Sych has kept a war diary recounting his experiences and observations during the past two terrifying and heroic months as Ukrainians have adjusted to Vladimir Putin’s criminal invasion.

Conflict Cybersecurity
Screenshot of footage from a Russian report on a supposed Ukrainian missile downed in Kherson. (SOURCE: Izvestia)

New Atlanticist

Apr 29, 2022

Russian War Report: Questions around metadata on video of Kherson explosion aftermath

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

In occupied Kherson, Russian media reported that Russian forces shot down a Ukrainian missile that they claim was aimed at a TV antenna, but metadata shows the report was shot hours before the explosions.

Disinformation Eastern Europe

UkraineAlert

Apr 27, 2022

Beyond Putin: Russian imperialism is the No. 1 threat to global security

By Volodymyr Vakhitov, Natalia Zaika

Many Western leaders accuse Vladimir Putin of single-handedly sparking the current war in Ukraine but in reality the roots of the conflict are far deeper and reflect longstanding Russian imperial attitudes toward Ukraine.

Conflict Disinformation
Plumes of smoke rise after a fire erupts at an oil depot in Bryansk, Russia April 25, 2022 in this still image obtained from social media video. Natalya Krutova via REUTERS

New Atlanticist

Apr 26, 2022

Russian War Report: Geolocating fires in Bryansk

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

On April 25, large fires were reported in Bryansk, Russia, just 100 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. DFRLab geolocated the fires to confirm an armed forces fuel depot was damaged.

Belarus Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Apr 22, 2022

Putin’s Unholy War

By Knox Thames

Vladimir Putin's unholy war in Ukraine has sought to exploit centuries of shared Orthodox faith but the ongoing invasion has only served to expose the growing gulf separating modern Ukraine from Russia.

Civil Society Conflict
Pro-Russia telegram channel circulated what it claimed was proof that Ukraine planned to sell weapons to African countries. (Source: Rezident)

New Atlanticist

Apr 22, 2022

Russian War Report: Forged document claims Ukraine is selling surplus weapons to African countries

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

A Kremlin-tied Telegram channel published a forged document claiming that Ukraine was selling surplus weapons to African countries.

Africa Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Apr 21, 2022

Genocide in Ukraine: Putin just gave his tacit approval for more war crimes

By Peter Dickinson

By bestowing military honors on Russian soldiers accused of war crimes against Ukraine civilians, Vladimir Putin is setting the stage for further atrocities and underlining the genocidal intentions behind his invasion of Ukraine.

Conflict Disinformation
In this photo illustration the Google Maps logo seen displayed on a smartphone and in the background. (Photo by Rafael Henrique / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)No Use Germany.

New Atlanticist

Apr 20, 2022

Russian War Report: Google refutes misleading claims about blurring Russian military assets

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Thousands of posts online claim Google Maps unblurred satellite images of Russian military installations. Meanwhile, Russia hesitates to ban YouTube and a troll campaign distracts from Bucha.

Disinformation Internet

Experts