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 24, 2021

Putin blames anyone but himself for loss of Ukraine

By Peter Dickinson

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently published an op-ed accusing the US of staging an anti-Russian coup in Ukraine, but in reality nobody has done more to erode Russian influence in Ukraine than Putin himself.

Conflict Disinformation

New Atlanticist

Jun 24, 2021

Fighting online extremism in ‘the Klan den of the twenty-first century’

By Nick Fouriezos

How can civil society groups, law enforcement, and policymakers assess and combat the threat of online extremism? Experts at the Digital Forensic Research Lab's 360/Open Summit dive in.

Disinformation Extremism

New Atlanticist

Jun 22, 2021

Former Wikipedia chief on fighting censorship and potentially paying contributors to address diversity gaps

By Nick Fouriezos

Katherine Maher appeared at the 360/Open Summit, hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, to discuss how tech can earn the public's trust.

Civil Society Disinformation

Transcript

Jun 22, 2021

Katherine Maher on how big tech can be as trusted as Wikipedia

By Atlantic Council

The former Wikimedia CEO joined 360/Open Summit, hosted by the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensics Research Lab. Here's a transcript of the discussion.

Civil Society Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Jun 19, 2021

The dangers of echoing Russian disinformation on Ukraine

By Andreas Umland

Disinformation has been central to Russia's seven-year hybrid war against Ukraine. By echoing Kremlin narratives, Western commentators risk enabling Russian aggression and undermining international security.

Conflict Disinformation

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jun 11, 2021

The case for a Comprehensive Approach 2.0: How NATO can combat Chinese and Russian political warfare

By Kathleen J. McInnis, Clementine G. Starling-Daniels

Kathleen J. McInnis and Clementine G. Starling outline how NATO’s Comprehensive Approach program can serve as a model to counter political warfare at the strategic level.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Jun 10, 2021

Pro-Kremlin propaganda in Ukraine changes tone

By Peter Pomerantsev, Inna Nelles, Volodymyr Yermolenko, Angelina Kariakina

Pro-Kremlin propaganda in Ukraine is changing. Praising Putin is a harder sell since the 2014 invasion, so now the focus is less on boosting Russia and more about making the West look just as bad.

Disinformation Media

UkraineAlert

Jun 7, 2021

Ukraine’s new football shirt leaves Russia furious

By Peter Dickinson

Russia has reacted with fury to Ukraine's new national football team jersey featuring a map of Ukraine. Kremlin anger is focused on the inclusion of Crimea, which is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine but has been under Russian occupation since 2014.

Conflict Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Jun 1, 2021

Ending Ukraine’s memory wars

By Peter Pomerantsev, Nataliya Gumenyuk, Maria Montague

Since 1991, Russia has sought to fuel memory wars as a way of preventing Ukraine from consolidating its statehood. However, recent research indicates that history can unite Ukrainians as well as dividing them.

Democratic Transitions Disinformation

New Atlanticist

May 27, 2021

How to solve today’s tech challenges: secure data, close the digital divide, boost leadership

By Rose Butchart

The decade to come will be the “GeoTech Decade,” in which the technology trends that began in previous years will become fixed in their impact on society. The Commission on the Geopolitical Impacts of New Technologies and Data launched its first report with recommendations to guide leaders as they make choices regarding technology and data.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

Experts