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

Feb 26, 2021

Why Ukraine sanctioned Putin’s ally Medvedchuk

By Andriy Yermak

Ukraine has introduced a number of measures during February 2021 to restrict the influence of Vladimir Putin's closest Ukrainian ally, Viktor Medvedchuk.

Conflict Disinformation
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#AlertaVenezuela

Feb 23, 2021

#AlertaVenezuela: February 23, 2021

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

While Maduro's regime promoted diplomat Alex Saab, online accounts showed suspicious behavior using #FreeAlexSaab.

Disinformation Venezuela

In the News

Feb 19, 2021

Warrick quoted in Lawfare on Iranian information operations

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Feb 19, 2021

Warrick quoted in Lawfare on Iranian information operations

By Atlantic Council

On February 19, FD NRSF Thomas Warrick was quoted in a piece titled “How to Understand Iranian Information Operations.” In this piece, Warrick claims that Iran is using disinformation tactics as a retaliation tactic, asserting national power without direct escalation.

Defense Policy Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Feb 16, 2021

Putin the Poisoner

By Peter Dickinson

Putin the Poisoner: Russian President Vladimir Putin has adopted a poisonous approach to international politics in a bid to defend his own authoritarian regime by dividing, discrediting, and destabilizing the democratic world.

Disinformation European Union
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#AlertaVenezuela

Feb 16, 2021

#AlertaVenezuela: February 16, 2021

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

Two Panamanian YouTube channels spread unsubstantiated claims targeting the Maduro regime, claiming a military revolt will occur due to the Sputnik V vaccine not arriving for another four years.

Disinformation Venezuela
AP Report keywords

In-Depth Research & Reports

Feb 14, 2021

Weaponized: How rumors about COVID-19’s origins led to a narrative arms race

By Luiza Bandeira, Nika Aleksejeva, Tessa Knight, Jean le Roux, Graham Brookie, Iain Robertson, Andy Carvin, Zarine Kharazian

A joint research project from the Digital Forensic Research Lab and the Associate Press on information environments during the first six months of COVID-19.

China Coronavirus

In the News

Feb 13, 2021

Manning and Cooper in The Hill: How to fix the US public diplomacy deficit? Bring back USIA

By Atlantic Council

On February 13, Robert Manning and Evan Cooper published an op-ed arguing that the US needs to bring back the US Information Agency to address the collapse of public diplomacy. “A robust USIA with a modern approach to information ecosystems would be a valuable asset for combatting disinformation. The U.S. faces a global landscape saturated […]

Disinformation Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 12, 2021

Snegovaya quoted by Troy on impact of Russian information operations in the US

By Atlantic Council

Digital Policy Disinformation

Report

Feb 10, 2021

Atlantic Council’s DFRLab publishes new report in Just Security: #StopTheSteal: A timeline of social media and extremist activities leading up to 1/6 insurrection

In-depth investigation offers the most comprehensive timeline for #StopTheSteal to date.

Disinformation United States and Canada

Experts