A COMPARISON OF RUSSIAN NARRATIVES IN MOLDOVAN INTERNET NEWS TO RUSSIAN NARRATIVES THROUGHOUT CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Abstract

As information becomes a more predominant tool of contemporary warfare, Central and Eastern Europe serve on the front line of information operations originating from the Kremlin. Though the use of propaganda is not a new phenomenon for the Russian government, the evolution of information warfare has become more potent than ever. Current research identifies many aspects of Russian active measures throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Although Moldova is considered part of Eastern Europe, less Western academic research focuses specifically on the case of Moldova compared to countries like Romania and Ukraine. More scholarly attention is required to characterize Moldova’s relation to the broader Eastern European region. This study examines Moldova through a within case study and compares how Russian master narratives present throughout Central and Eastern Europe fit in Moldova using content analysis of internet-based news articles. The study finds that the broader master narratives of Central and Eastern Europe apply to Moldova with minor exceptions. Not only does the study contribute to a lack of focused research on Moldova but also helps to validate the Center for European Policy Analysis on eight Russian master narratives.

Dr. Mark Stout, Global Security Studies Director, mstout4@jhu.edu Sarah Clark, Research Study Advisor/Prorfessor, sarah.clark@jhu.edu Dr. Donald Jensen, Research Study Reviewer Debra Cagan, Research Study Reviewer