Presenting Research Outcomes: “Russia’s Disinformation Campaigns in Georgia: A Study of State and Civil Society Response”

On December 12, PMC Research presented the outcomes of its research entitled “Russia’s Disinformation Campaigns in Georgia: A Study of State and Civil Society Response” and subsequently held a discussion thereon.

The purpose of the research was to study the nature and aims of Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns in Georgia as well as the steps taken by the Georgian state and civil society organizations in response. The research also looks at the means of the Russian disinformation campaigns in Georgia, describes and evaluates measures adopted so far by the state and civil society, and presents relevant policy recommendations.

During the presentation, the main findings of the research were highlighted with the following topics discussed: Russia’s disinformation campaigns in Georgia; the steps taken by the Georgian state so far against Russian disinformation; the impact of such campaigns on public opinion in Georgia; and steps that might reduce the impact of Russian disinformation campaigns in Georgia.

“To effectively counter the threat of Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns, it is important that the Georgian state presents a more strategic view of what the integral conceptual and institutional measures are in order to thwart the disinforming state. Improved state and civil society, as well intra-civil society, cooperation is also vital to not only fight the quotidian consequences of the Russian disinformation campaigns but to deal with the root causes of the problem,” said Irakli Sirbiladze, associate consultant of PMC Research.

Research has shown that, over the years, Russia, in addition to conventional methods of war, has also used unconventional methods against Georgia, including propaganda and disinformation. The impact of the Russian disinformation campaigns on public opinion is noticeable, while the activities of civil society organizations are crucial when it comes to detecting Russian disinformation.

The study was carried out as part of a project entitled: “Public Policy Discourse and Dialogue Platform” which strives to initiate discussion and cooperation on economic issues between different parties. The project is being implemented by PMC Research with the support of Policy and Management Consulting Group (PMCG).