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# Spotting and Combating Russian Disinformation
- URL: https://johnwlittle.com/spotting-and-combating-russian-disinformation/
- Published: 2022-04-29T16:57:08.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-21T10:47:59.000Z
- Description: Russia's military may be floundering, along with their overt messaging on the war, but their disinformation machine continues to pose a threat in many ways and in many places that receive far too little attention.
- Author: John Little
- Tags: Disinformation, Russia, Misinformation, Russia-Ukraine, Africa

The Africa Center calls attention to a region and threat that needs more recognition. Unfortunately, it may take a forcing function to make challenges there a reasonable priority - as is usually the case (I suspect [we may see one](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/blinken-urges-algeria-to-reconsider-ties-with-russia?ref=johnwlittle.com) sooner than people think). Sadly, when a forcing function is required to get people and organizations to move on disinformation it means that the bulk of the damage has already been done.

[Mapping Disinformation in Africa – Africa Center for Strategic StudiesRussia has pioneered a model of disinformation to gain political influence in Africa that is now being replicated by other actors across the continent.![](https://africacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cropped-logo-mark-300x300.png)Africa Center for Strategic Studiesthe Africa Center for Strategic Studies![](https://africacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Africa_disinfo_map_900x600.png)](https://africacenter.org/spotlight/mapping-disinformation-in-africa-russia-china/?ref=johnwlittle.com)

Stanford's Melissa De Witte and Shelby Grossman have published an accessible primer on common challenges and the simple verification techniques that everyone should be using.

[Seven tips for spotting disinformation on the Russia-Ukraine war | Stanford NewsA disinformation researcher shares what she and her team watch for when analyzing social media posts and other online reports related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.![](https://www-media.stanford.edu/assets/favicon/mstile-310x310.png)Stanford NewsStanford University![](https://news.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GettyImages-1290377914.jpg)](https://news.stanford.edu/2022/03/03/seven-tips-spotting-disinformation-russia-ukraine-war/?ref=johnwlittle.com)

Disinformation directed at U.S. audiences in languages other than English is a massive problem and our adversaries are years ahead of us in recognizing this vulnerability (or at least acting on it). The damage is already significant and it will grow exponentially if it doesn't quickly receive more attention. 

[Lawmakers urge Meta to curb Russian disinformation in SpanishThe disinformation is “designed to undermine a resolute global response necessary to stand against” Russia.![](https://static.axios.com/img/axios-site/favicon-32x32.png)AxiosAstrid Galván![](https://images.axios.com/0NPZDgF4GVBii6tx3mRe-3UJ2d4=/1366x768/smart/2022/04/20/1650491340254.jpg)](https://www.axios.com/russia-disinformation-spanish-ukraine-meta-facebook-ba28cb3b-91df-4356-9352-a5f7ddb583f4.html?ref=johnwlittle.com)

DHS is mobilizing but it's impossible to assess how impactful the initiative will be at this stage. It is, at least, something. (Update - [Things did not go well](https://www.npr.org/2022/05/21/1100438703/dhs-disinformation-board-nina-jankowicz?ref=johnwlittle.com).)

[Disinformation board to tackle Russia, migrant smugglersThe Department of Homeland Security has launched a new panel to tackle disinformation![](https://s.abcnews.com/assets/dtci/images/favicon.ico)ABC NewsABC News![](https://s.abcnews.com/images/Politics/WireAP_de1a638685ae438fa2c04f945188e700_16x9_992.jpg)](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/disinformation-board-tackle-russia-migrant-smugglers-84367354?ref=johnwlittle.com)