Putin’s recent Victory Day speech showcased his mastery of manipulation techniques, employing the strategy of speaking loudly and carrying a little stick to propagate disinformation. This tactic creates an illusion of strength and power while shaping public opinion and reinforcing desired narratives. Read along to discover these manipulation techniques.

Victory Day, observed in Russia on May 9th, holds significant meaning as the commemoration of the end of World War II. However, this day also serves as a poignant reminder of the Kremlin’s adeptness in employing Information Manipulation and disseminating disinformation. Behind the official narrative lies a calculated machinery of deceit, led by the master of deception himself. Each year, May 9th becomes an opportune moment for information manipulators and disinformation peddlers to stoke the fires of falsehood, fortify the Kremlin’s agenda, and adjust their narrative of deceit as required.

Let’s uncover the 14 hard manipulation techniques employed by Putin as he speaks loudly and carries a little stick:

1. Historical Revisionism: The pro-Kremlin disinformation ecosystem has been quick to revise history and foster a sense of siege mentality. By distorting facts and invoking a ‘war is upon us’ narrative, they manipulate public sentiment and perpetuate disinformation.
2. Traditional Values as Manipulative Tactics: Pro-Kremlin outlets amplify the imagery of Russia as the defender of ‘traditional values’ against the perceived immorality of the West. This manipulation tactic aims to divide and polarize societies, diverting attention from critical issues.
3. Religious Overtones: Invoking religious overtones further solidifies the manipulative narrative of Russia as a righteous defender against a morally corrupt West. Such tactics exploit the emotional connection people have with their faith, clouding judgment and critical thinking.
4. Russophobia Narrative: Putin’s baseless complaints about the West erasing memory and destroying the Soviet legacy fuel the disinformation narrative of ‘Russophobia.’ This narrative aims to portray Russia as a victim while deflecting attention from its own divisive actions.
5. Lack of Self-Awareness: Pro-Kremlin commentators seem oblivious to Russia’s efforts to sow division, even as their manipulative tactics become transparent. This lack of self-awareness reveals their intent to deceive and manipulate rather than foster genuine dialogue.
6. Inconsistency in Messaging: Putin’s speech projects an image of Russia as a peacemaker and liberator, juxtaposed with constant accusations of warmongering against the West. This inconsistency aims to confuse and distract from Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
7. Empty Peace Calls: Russian calls for peace are often empty public relations stunts designed to divert attention from the atrocities committed in Ukraine. It is crucial not to be deceived by these manipulative tactics and to critically analyze their underlying motives.
8. Manipulative Display: Pro-Kremlin disinformation peddlers aim to inspire awe and project strength through grand displays, such as military parades. However, the reality may reveal a different story, as smaller-scale events and the absence of key elements expose the truth behind the manipulative facade.
9. Cancellation of Meaningful Displays: The cancellation of the ‘Immortal Regiment,’ a popular part of the Victory Day parades, denies ordinary people the chance to honor their veteran relatives. This calculated move by the Kremlin aims to control the narrative and hide the human cost of aggression.
10. Exploiting Drone Incident: The recent drone incident over the Kremlin becomes an opportunity for pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets to spread false narratives and conspiracy theories. This manipulation tactic diverts attention from the actual events and shifts blame onto convenient scapegoats.
11. Targeting Political Leadership: False claims that President Zelenskyy has fled Ukraine are propagated to undermine the reliability of the political leadership in Kyiv. Such manipulative tactics seek to erode trust in democratic institutions and sow chaos.
12. Fear-Mongering: Pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets employ fear-mongering strategies, ranging from veiled threats of retaliation to overt nuclear sabre-rattling. These tactics aim to instill fear and uncertainty while delegitimizing Ukraine as a sovereign state.
13. Scapegoating Anglo-Saxons: Pro-Kremlin disinformation pundits often point fingers at the US and use the trope of ‘Anglo-Saxons’ as scapegoats for all perceived wrongdoings. This tactic reinforces a narrative of external threats and serves to divert attention from internal issues and shortcomings.
14. The Power of Truth: In the face of manipulation techniques like speaking loudly and carrying a little stick, it is essential to arm ourselves with critical thinking and seek the truth. By questioning the information presented to us, fact-checking claims, and staying informed through reliable sources, we can counteract manipulative narratives.

WHAT THE KREMLIN REALLY SAYS VS. WHAT IT REALLY MEANS?

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