Russia is quietly expanding its influence around the world through state-backed media channels, taking advantage of a weakening Western presence in certain regions. The country’s efforts are focused on undermining Western influence and building support for its actions.
In recent years, RT (formerly Russia Today) and Sputnik have increased their international coverage, launching new bureaus and TV services in various countries. They also offer free training programs for journalists from Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and China.
This expansion coincides with a decline in Western media’s presence in some regions due to budget cuts and changing foreign policy priorities. Outlets such as the BBC have reduced their operations or shifted focus to digital-based services.
Dr Kathryn Stoner, a political scientist at Stanford University, warns that Russia is “like water: where there are cracks in the cement, it trickles in.” The country’s media efforts aim to exploit these weaknesses and build support for its actions in regions with anti-American, anti-Western sentiments.
However, not all views agree. Dr Rhys Crilley believes RT’s coverage can appeal to broad audiences who are concerned about global injustices or events perceived by the West as being perpetuated.
Dr Precious Chatterje-Doody argues that RT’s curation of stories fits certain narratives and makes explicit false claims, such as portraying Russia’s annexation of Crimea as a peaceful “reunification.” Viewers may be unaware of these biases and dishonesty in the coverage.
Russian state media is particularly focusing on Africa, where many countries have anti-colonialist and anti-imperialist sentiment. RT has established bureaus in Algeria, Ethiopia, and other African nations, and launched TV services targeting French-speaking African audiences.
While it’s difficult to quantify the impact of Russian state-backed media, experts warn that Russia is winning ground by portraying itself as a fellow victim of Western aggression and a defender of the Global South. The risk is that RT and other disinformation efforts prey on liberal democracy’s weaknesses while normalizing Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
As the West cuts media funding, leaving the field open to Russian state activities, experts caution that we should be concerned about the future of global world order and democracy.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2vr37yd4no