Russia, under Vladimir Putin's guidance, is often described as a 'mafia state' intent on expanding its influence, akin to transforming into a 'mafia empire'. This analogy, mentioned by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, captures Putin's dual threat: a throwback to imperial aggression and a pioneer in contemporary political warfare. Democracies around the world face the challenge of tackling both the traditional and the innovative methods employed by Russia.

On the battlefield, Ukraine confronts the remnants of this old imperialism daily. Yet, the modern tools of subversion and psychological operations are equally concerning. They exploit the structures of globalization, transforming platforms of information exchange into arenas for covert operations. Lammy's address at the Labour Party conference emphasized the need for democracies to jointly counter these threats through exposure of malign agents and collaboration with the Global South.

Exposing Covert Operations

Recently, the UK, US, and Canada uncovered that RT, a well-known state media outlet, is more insidious than believed, collaborating with Russian intelligence on money laundering and cyber operations. Legal actions focusing on clear criminal activities can dismantle such systems effectively, but exposure is only part of the strategy.

Russia's reach extends worldwide, manipulating media to sow discord. For instance, Tenet Media, backed by Russian funds, funneled money to influencers spreading anti-Ukrainian narratives, reaching millions. Russia's narratives play on longstanding sentiments, such as anti-colonial views in Africa or fostering nationalism in Europe, even meddling in Moldova's EU referendum.

Strategic Communication

To counter Russia's influence, democracies must communicate strategically, deciding on target audiences and the best methods to reach them. Consider the case of Odesa, continually under threat from Russian efforts to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty. Explaining Odesa's role in the global food supply chain could highlight the broader consequences of Russian control.

Engaging diverse voices, from statesmen to cultural icons, across different nations can create a cohesive and influential message. Each country can contribute its strengths, aligning efforts to maintain what Nick Cull from USC terms 'reputational security'. This involves positive portrayal and defending against aggression through proactive communication.

Leveraging Open Source Intelligence

Innovators in open-source intelligence are vital allies in democratic defenses. Groups like the Economic Security Council of Ukraine map out Russia's supply chains, revealing vulnerabilities that can be targeted to weaken its military capabilities. Open-source data provides transparency that secretive regimes can't replicate.

Building Resilient Networks

Democracies possess the inherent advantage of networked diversity, enabling collaborations impossible in authoritarian regimes. The goal is to synchronize efforts across media, business, and governmental lines to form a resilient counter-force to Russia's networks of hackers, mercenaries, and criminals.

The pace of coordinated attacks from alliances between regimes like Russia, Iran, and China underscores the urgency. Democracies must mobilize a counter-network to protect against these hybrid threats and secure global stability.

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