University of Twente Student Theses
Displacement and Disinformation: How Russia is Instrumentalizing Migration and Disinformation as a Foreign Policy Tool against the European Union.
Kruttke, Carl (2024) Displacement and Disinformation: How Russia is Instrumentalizing Migration and Disinformation as a Foreign Policy Tool against the European Union.
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Abstract: | This thesis investigates Russia's strategic use of coercive migration and disinformation as a foreign policy tools against the European Union. Through a longitudinal content analysis of disinformation articles from the EUvsDisinfo database, the study aims to determine whether a coherent strategy is behind both phenomena. The analysis reveals a significant correlation between instances of coercive migration and disinformation, particularly evident in the Belarusian border crisis. The findings support the hypothesis that these phenomena occur in a timely and contextual relation, indicating a deliberate effort to destabilize and exert pressure on neighboring EU countries. The study also identifies key strategic narratives employed by Russia, including portraying itself as a victim of Western aggression and emphasizing the lack of sovereignty among Western nations. Major Russian media outlets, such as Sputnik and RT, play a crucial role in disseminating disinformation, targeting both domestic and international audiences. Despite limitations, this research provides valuable insights into the strategic use of migration and disinformation by state actors, highlighting the need for robust countermeasures to protect the European Union's integrity and stability. Future research should continue exploring the evolving strategies of state actors in information warfare to ensure that democratic institutions remain vigilant and prepared to counter these sophisticated threats. |
Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
Subject: | 89 political science |
Programme: | Management Society and Technology BSc (56654) |
Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/101610 |
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