DECIPHERING RUSSIAN INFORMATION WARFARE: LESSONS FROM GEORGIA TO CRIMEA AND UKRAINE

Abstract

The Third Industrial Revolution gave birth to computers and electronics thus strengthening communication networks. The increased flow of information across the globe enhanced research and development; however, the technology-savvy nations became more vulnerable to ‘Information Warfare’ an umbrella term for cyberwarfare, disinformation, propaganda, and psychological operations. This type of warfare is primarily based on technology and information systems. The Cold War period saw a huge loss of human life and resources – given such a high cost of resorting to conventional war, states realised the importance of having control over cyberspace. A profound application of information warfare is found in Russia’s conduct of war – the country has evolved to familiarize itself with information warfare tactics. In the 21st century, the Russian leadership has integrated ‘information superiority’ into its military doctrines and strategies. This paper provides insights into the means and methods used under information confrontation. It sets out to examine how Russia conducts information warfare and has consistently developed its information warfare doctrine over the past two decades. By referring to three conflicts including the Georgian crisis of 2008, the Crimean annexation in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it shed light on various aspects of Russian information warfare. Though Russia achieved concrete gains in the Georgian crisis and during the annexation of Crimea, the paper underscores why Russia fell short of meeting expectations in the invasion of Ukraine.

Keywords: Information warfare, cyberwarfare, disinformation, propaganda, social media