Information Professionals Association (IPA) Member Thomas Kent, an Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University and Senior Fellow at the Jamestown Foundation, shares his forthcoming book, “Striking Back: Overt and Covert Options to Combat Russian Disinformation.” The book will be available on Amazon.com starting September 29, 2020, but is available for pre-order now.
A few words from the author:
“I think it differs from many books out there on Russian disinfo, in that it’s not totally gloomy. It proposes steps that can be taken by Western governments as well as by non-government actors who are active in anti-disinformation and pro-democracy causes.
I believe non-government people and organizations are often underestimated by outsiders. I devote substantial attention to how their strength can be increased, including by improving funding mechanisms.
I also propose stepped-up messaging to Russia’s own population by a variety of state and non-state means.
The book, as well, goes at length into Western concerns about not wanting to become “propagandists” ourselves as we oppose disinformation and promote democratic positions. I discuss where the line is between aggressively promoting our values, even by sometimes non-transparent means, and engaging in propaganda to the point that we become “just like them.””