Russia's strategic communication in neighbouring countries is to shape decision-making processes by influencing elites' perceptions of external threats and policy risks.
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Cognitive Power Without Projection
Russian Informational Warfare and Conditional Dominance in Eurasia
Key Insights
Russia maintains significant influence in Eurasia mainly through informational and cognitive warfare rather than direct military power. It uses media networks, reflexive control, shared Soviet history, and anti-West narratives in post-Soviet states to shape perceptions and political decisions. Russia adjusts by giving media engagement and information influence top priority to maintain regional hegemony, despite challenges brought on by the conflict in Ukraine and rivalry with the West and China.
28 May 2026 · 17:26 CET· Updated 24 June 2026 · 21:14 CETIssue I
Cite this brief
Nykolenko, N. (2026). Cognitive Power Without Projection. EPIS Insight · Security Policy & Defence.
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