Armenia: Russian propaganda changes strategy by using real journalists
Russia is changing the way it spreads disinformation in Armenia. According to recent analyses, Kremlin propaganda campaigns no longer rely solely on fake profiles or automated websites, but now depend on real people and recognizable journalists to influence public opinion.
The main target of this operation is Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Recently, the Russian strategy has evolved to become more effective and credible in the eyes of citizens. Instead of using the usual "bots," the system utilizes human figures who write articles and critical comments against the current government.
This new tactic makes disinformation much harder to detect. When information is spread by a flesh-and-blood journalist, with a known name and face, the public tends to trust it more than an anonymous website. This approach allows propaganda to penetrate more deeply into the country's political debate.
The change in strategy reflects the growing tensions between Russia and Armenia. The Kremlin seeks to maintain its influence in the Caucasus region by questioning Pashinyan's political choices and attempting to steer popular consensus toward positions closer to Moscow.
In conclusion, the evolution of disinformation in Armenia represents a new challenge for press freedom and democracy. Experts warn that it is essential to develop new tools to recognize these techniques, as propaganda is becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to distinguish from traditional journalism.