Divide and Conquer: Russia's Anti-west Campaign and Gender-based Disinformation.

Area of Science:

• Political Science
• International Relations
• Disinformation Studies

Background:

• Existing research on gender disinformation primarily focuses on domestic social impacts.
• The strategic use of gendered narratives by states for geopolitical goals remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Russia's use of gender-based disinformation as a foreign policy tool.
• To identify specific narratives and mechanisms employed by Russia.
• To analyze how these tactics contribute to hybrid warfare.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative content analysis of 367 pro-Kremlin disinformation articles.
• Identification and categorization of gendered disinformation narratives.
• Examination of mechanisms like legitimacy sabotage and legitimation.

Main Results:

• Eight distinct narratives identified, used to undermine Western institutions (e.g., NATO, EU) and legitimize Russian actions.
• Disinformation strategically deployed to appeal to conservative audiences.
• Demonstration of Russia's reconfiguration of legitimacy landscapes through gendered narratives.

Conclusions:

• Gender-based disinformation is a key component of Russia's hybrid warfare strategy.
• Contestation of moral authority through gendered narratives is central to Russia's geopolitical aims.
• A novel framework is presented for understanding state use of identity-based narratives in great power competition.