Watch Inside the Russian Info War Machine

Inside the Russian Info War Machine is a 2018 documentary directed by Jean-Michel Carré and Jill Emery, which explores the Russian propaganda machine and its tactics to spread disinformation and influence public opinion, both domestically and abroad. The film features interviews with political figures, experts, and journalists from different countries who share their insights and experiences about how Russia's propaganda machine operates. Some of the notable interviewees include Aymeric Chauprade, a former advisor to Marine Le Pen and member of the European Parliament, Al Franken, a former U.S. Senator, and Thierry Mariani, a former French Minister of Transportation.

The documentary opens with the 2014 annexation of Crimea, which became a turning point in Russia's use of propaganda. The filmmakers examine how the Kremlin used media outlets such as RT (formerly Russia Today) and Sputnik to shape the narrative of the conflict and influence foreign public opinion. The film also delves into how Russian media outlets have used fake news, disinformation campaigns, and social media to further their agenda.

Inside the Russian Info War Machine analyzes different aspects of the propaganda machine, such as how Russia has created a parallel media universe that promotes conspiracy theories and alternative narratives to counter mainstream media; how the Kremlin uses trolls, bots, and fake social media accounts to spread their messages; and how they use cyberattacks to silence critical voices and organizations.

The documentary also touches on the role of Western countries and their response to Russian propaganda. Through interviews with politicians and experts, the film looks at how different countries have reacted to Russian disinformation, from creating task forces to counter propaganda to introducing laws to ban or limit Russian media. However, the filmmakers suggest that Western countries have been slow to respond and lack the necessary tools to combat the sophisticated disinformation campaigns of the Kremlin.

One of the strengths of Inside the Russian Info War Machine is its comprehensive approach to the topic. The film covers a lot of ground, from the history of propaganda in Russia to the specifics of social media manipulation. The documentary also provides a range of perspectives by featuring interviews with experts with different backgrounds and opinions. The filmmakers succeed in providing a nuanced and informative view of the subject matter.

Another strength of the documentary is its use of visuals. The filmmakers use clips from Russian media, social media posts, and news coverage to illustrate their points. They also use animations to explain complex concepts such as the anatomy of a troll factory or how bots work. These visuals enhance the documentary's content and make it more engaging for the viewer.

Overall, Inside the Russian Info War Machine is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding how propaganda works in the 21st century. The film sheds light on the strategies used by the Kremlin to influence public opinion, and how these tactics can affect not only Russia but the world. The documentary also raises important questions about the role of media and technology in shaping our perceptions of reality.

Inside the Russian Info War Machine is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.