S4E4 - Wagner: Russia's Support of Violence in the Region and its Role in Spreading Disinformation

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts In this episode, we spotlight the CSOs and the strategies they employ in the fight against radicalisation. We discuss how CSOs can adapt existing mechanisms and strategies to address extremists’ changing recruitment and disinformation tactics amid the complex economic, political, and social/cultural challenges they face on the front lines, from banditry to widespread unemployment to ethnic and religious tensions. This episode was recorded live, following a four-hour workshop for CSOs on media literacy and strategies to combat radicalization in their communities. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE. Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts In this episode, we tackle the crucial issue of counter-terrorism and delve into the question: "What can we do to prevent and combat radicalization?" This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of effective strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of radicalization. Guided by people and organisations working in the field, we examine the multifaceted nature of radicalization, understanding its social, political, and psychological underpinnings. We explore successful prevention programs, community-based interventions, and rehabilitation efforts that have yielded positive outcomes in mitigating the risk of radicalization. Additionally, we discuss the importance of fostering inclusivity, promoting social cohesion, and providing alternative narratives as essential components of effective counter-terrorism measures. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE. Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts Nigeria was named one of the 20 most dangerous countries to visit in 2024… and not just because of terrorism. While terrorist groups are the biggest security threat in Nigeria’s Northeast, other parts of the country are embroiled in violent conflicts of their own. In the Northwest, gangs of “bandits” execute widespread killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, and lootings. In the middle of the country, longstanding conflict between farmers and herders over land and resources continues to rage on, exacerbated by religious and ethnic tensions. In this episode, we delve into the lesser-known conflicts raging across Nigeria and the ways that violent extremist groups like Boko Haram capitalise on the chaos for their own gain. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE. Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts Why can’t governments catch terrorists? How do terrorists always stay one step ahead? In this episode of the podcast series, we dive into how violent extremist organisations wield and capitalise on emerging technology to propagate their harmful narratives, organise attacks, and recruit new members. Experts and on-the-ground organisations pick apart the growing reliance on technology to create and disseminate convincing misinformation with the potential to incite violence and spur hatred. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE. Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts They’re responsible for propping up dictators, carrying out the bidding of military juntas, and supporting coups. They leave death and destruction in their wake, accused of massacring populations and exploiting local communities. What is the infamous Wagner Group? The Kremlin-linked private military company, recently rebranded as the Africa Corps, has been hired to fight in international conflicts in places like Ukraine, Syria, and most recently Africa. In addition to Wagner’s combat operations, the group also has a large propaganda arm created to spread disinformation, undermine democracy, and advance pro-Russia views worldwide. In this episode, journalists and experts deconstruct Wagner’s strong influence in African affairs and its role in spreading disinformation and harmful views about the West. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE. Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts Is West Africa turning against Democracy? Following recent coups in Niger, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali, new governments and supporters have soundly rejected Western influence, expelling French diplomats from the countries and waving Russian flags at political rallies. In this episode, journalists take us to Nigeria, where violent extremist organisations are capitalising on deep-rooted resentment against former colonial rule to expand recruitment and support. Experts delve into the history of anti-Western sentiment in West Africa and how violent extremist organisations are exploiting current events, from the War in Gaza to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, to amplify their own messages and energise their bases. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts Boko Haram is one of Africa's most deadly and infamous terrorist groups, which garnered worldwide attention and uproar in the early 2010s for a slew of bombings that killed hundreds of people at a time and the kidnapping of over 200 school girls in Nigeria’s northeast. The name Boko Haram literally translates to “Western education is forbidden” in English, and the group’s goal is just that: to rid West Africa of Western influence and establish a state that follows strict Sharia law. Today, Boko Haram and other violent extremist organisations in the region have seized upon emerging technologies, revolutionising the ways they recruit and train members, disseminate their ideology, and carry out attacks. Join us as we delve into the disturbing sphere of disinformation and propaganda spread by Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other Islamic Jihadist groups in Africa. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts In this fascinating episode, we enter the mind of a terrorist. What makes them commit violent acts and adopt radical ideologies? How do they justify the killing of innocent people? What transforms the everyman, or woman, into a terrorist? Psychologists and counter extremism experts weigh in on the key factors that contribute to the allure of misinformed and violent narratives, including social influences, identity crises, and psychological manipulation. Media Minded explores the frightening world of misinformation and propaganda. Now in its fourth season, each episode tackles a new facet of the fight against violent extremism in West Africa. Aided by the rapid invention of new information and communication technologies, terrorist organisations have devised new ways to recruit and train members, and upend local communities with deadlier and more destructive tactics. Through interviews with leading counter terrorism experts, journalists, psychologists, and organisations fighting extremists in their communities, this series equips listeners with the knowledge and successful strategies to counter radicalisation at home. Presented by Matteo Bergamini MBE Season 4 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the US State Department's Global Engagement Centre.

Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts TuneIn Podcasts This special live episode of Media Minded takes a deep dive into NATO’s role in the Ukraine crisis. The in-person panel discussion facilitates a conversation between sector experts, academics, and individuals working in NATO, discussing the recent war of aggression against Ukraine. With the Russian Federation sponsoring disinformation on an unprecedented level, the panel explores ways in which NATO can act to inoculate itself and its members from mis and disinformation, dispelling the persistent false narratives, historical revisionism, and conspiracy theories spread to justify the invasion of Ukraine. Joining us for the live episode is Paul King, Editor and Engagement Officer at NATO; Claire Halperin, Deputy Head of Mission and Spokesperson at the UK Joint Delegation to NATO; Dr Precious N Chatterje-Doody, Author of Russia Today and Conspiracy Theories: People, Power and Politics on RT and Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the Open University; and Nicholas Yap, Deputy Director & Chief of Staff at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab). Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. Season 3 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of NATO.

The COVID-19 pandemic has focused the attention of many to the ongoing challenges of disinformation, propaganda and misinformation and the potential harm it can inflict. Disinformation seeks to deepen divisions within and between Allied nations, and to undermine people’s confidence in elected governments. In order to counteract this, NATO publicly refutes false claims, debunks the main disinformation narratives aimed at the Alliance and coordinates to share information, insight and best practice. Joining us for today’s episode is Colonel Sönke Marahrens, a career Air Force officer who previously served as Head of Research for Strategy and Armed Forces at the German Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies in Hamburg. He was deployed with NATO to Bosnia and Kosovo, and in 2020 served as Branch Head for Transition at HQ Resolute Support in Kabul, Afghanistan.  Media Minded explores the bizarre world of misinformation and conspiracies. Following on from the success of the first season in 2019, each episode platforms a different subject who has previously been a victim of, or a willing participant in, a conspiracy theory… but these lines may be more blurred than you think. Ex-cultists, anti-vaxxers and more describe their slow descent into the untrue, and those who experience the brunt of the lies and hatred explain the effect that the proliferation of these ideas has. All the while, industry-leading academics and experts provide theoretical justifications for the actions taken by all parties. Presented by Matteo Bergamini Edited and recorded by Sabina Mckenzie Brown. Season 3 of this podcast is made possible thanks to the kind support and sponsorship of the U.S. Mission to NATO.