Strange though isn’t it? The notion Russia influence has massively grown through cyber activity and this is a new phenomenon is nonsense.
It’s biggest influence in the post Cold War era was without question in the late 70’s and early 80’s
Then there was direct infiltration into the unions and the Labour Party and there was a clear strategy to try and bring down the democratic system
The leader of the opposition was without much doubt paid by the KGB. The miners union was funded by Russia and the miners were used by its Marxist leaders try and destroy the government of the day. Militant tendency was riddled with kremlin sponsored Trotskyites. Oddly though the same people who express indignation at the Russian apparent (and far less significant) interference now didn’t seem very bothered then.
As for America let’s also remember that the so called liberals like Clinton were suck ups to the IRA and sponsored bombs and bullets to murder British citizens. Again little indignation there either.
Very interesting.
Now back to millions of false posts trying to stir up pro Brexit anger and anti Muslim hatred. That is not in a history book. That happened and is still happening and has been more successful than any Cold War measure. Even better for Russia, they can wage a propaganda war from St Petersburg with little physical risk.
It works so well that the targets, although repeating what is in the propaganda, claim that they weren’t affected by it. Not everybody voted leave because of Russian influence. Even the Russians know that. The target was to hit the undecided and swing it enough by convincing a relatively small percentage of voters.
Bingo. It worked and Grendel is deflecting to a histocal narrative to avoid further discussion on electoral manipulation.
And, seeing as Banks avoided mentioning all but one of his Russian meetings before an investigative journalist pulled the information out, it seems there is something going on or something went on. I would like to know what.