STRIKE THE TRUTH

Stanislav Markelov, a prominent Russian lawyer, was known for defending journalists, political activists, and victims of human rights abuses, especially in the Chechen conflict. His high-profile cases often challenged the Russian government's actions and policies. Tragically, Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova were murdered in broad daylight on January 19, 2009, in Moscow, sparking international outrage. What does their story reveal about the dangers faced by those who fight for justice in Russia? Read on to find out. Stanislav Markelov was a very well-known and successful human rights lawyer  EARLY LIFE Stanislav Markelov was born on May 20, 1974, in Moscow, Russia. Growing up in the waning years of the Soviet Union, he witnessed significant political and social changes during his formative years, which likely influenced his later dedication to justice and human rights. Markelov pursued his higher education at Moscow State University. There, he studied law and

Propaganda can be a powerful tool of persuasion and has been instrumental in shaping the course of wars throughout history. It is defined as systematic and purposeful communication intended to influence the emotions, attitudes, and opinions of target audiences. This is achieved through controlled and one-sided messages designed to change the actions of these targets. In this blog post, we will explore how propaganda can be used as a weapon of war. It aims to manipulate public opinion, demoralize the enemy, and maintain support for the war effort. Let's dig in! MANIPULATING PUBLIC OPINIONS When there is war, rallying national support becomes crucial. Governments deploy targeted propaganda to foster unity and patriotism, ensuring the population is aligned with war efforts. During World War I, the United States famously used emotionally charged and iconic "Uncle Sam" images with the slogan: " I want you for the U.S. Army! " This motivated droves of young American m

This is the first part of a series on Disinformation, Misinformation, and Malinformation. The purpose of these guides is to provide an in-depth look at each of these elements that are part of information operations used by countries as a strategy in hybrid warfare. This week, we focus on disinformation. We will break down what disinformation is, what forms it takes, and the purposes of disinformation campaigns. Then, we will examine several clear examples of how aggressive states such as Russia and China use disinformation campaigns as a cost-effective tool in waging hybrid warfare on Western societies. WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF DISINFORMATION? Disinformation refers to false or misleading information that is deliberately spread. The intent is to deceive and manipulate others with this fake information. It's different from misinformation because misinformation is spread unintentionally or due to some misunderstanding. Disinformation is crafted deliberately in a false manner to achie

In a world where advocating for human rights frequently comes with significant risks, Natalia Estemirova stands as a beacon of unwavering bravery and dedication. Born on February 28, 1958, in Chechnya, Estemirova's journey from history teacher to frontline human rights defender illustrates the transformative power of compassion and the relentless pursuit of justice. In this article, we delve into Estemirova's life and the circumstances surrounding her tragic death. Who is responsible? Let’s uncover the truth. Natalia Estemirova (Credit: Unknown) EARLY LIFE AND A PATH FORGED FOR AN ACTIVITST Natalia Estemirova was born in Kamyshlov, Sverdlovsk Oblast, to parents of Russian and Chechen descent. She pursued a history degree at Grozny University and, upon graduation, began teaching history in Chechen schools. In 1991, Estemirova emerged as a vocal leader of a teachers' strike, advocating for better conditions and pay for the teaching staff. The following year, during the armed

This week, we are pleased to present a feature post by TheyTalkSuomi on the  Terijoki Puppet Regime . TheyTalkSuomi is a Finnish-language YouTube channel that delves into Finnish folklore, history, and a variety of other captivating topics related to Finland. You can explore and subscribe to the channel  here . Don't miss out on their engaging content! Before the Winter War began, the Russians demanded border changes from Finland, seeking to revert to the boundaries established in the Peace of Tartu two decades earlier, which were then agreed upon for the Soviet Union. Stalin cited the security of Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, situated close to the border, as a pretext. However, the true motive was to fulfill the secret additional protocol of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with Germany, which designated Finland, the Baltic states, and eastern Poland within their sphere of influence. When the Baltic states acquiesced to Moscow's demands, they were annexed. Finland, on the other ha