Russia’s foreign ministry has launched a smartphone app in Africa to counter what it calls the one-sided and biased western-centered coverage of Africa. This move highlights the Kremlin’s determination to win the battle for public opinion in non-western parts of the world. The impact of Russian propaganda around the world can be seen in a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, which showed that negative opinions of Russia were prevalent in north America, Europe, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel. However, countries such as India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Mexico had a majority of respondents with positive views of Russia, potentially due to the legacy of western colonialism, anti-American attitudes, and the perception that western powers have not done enough to assist with various issues. Russian propaganda has played a significant role in shaping these attitudes, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In contrast, Russian propaganda has had limited influence on European audiences. European Union governments suspended the broadcasting activities of Sputnik and RT, formerly known as Russia Today, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A study by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Misinformation Review found that in the months leading up to the invasion, these Russian outlets reached less than 5% of the digital populations surveyed in Europe, north America, Asia, and Latin America. However, Russia has continued to invest heavily in non-English-language propaganda targeted at television and social media users outside of Europe. This includes channels like RT en Español, which has a significant following in Spanish-speaking countries. The Kremlin also distributes its message through local influencers who may be sympathetic to Moscow’s views. It is important to consider the historical context and interpret opinion polls with caution when examining the effectiveness of Russian propaganda within Russia. The Levada Center, once Russia’s most reputable independent pollster, operates under tight restrictions, and it is difficult to determine the accuracy of polls in a repressive system with limited political competition. However, there are indications that Putin’s propaganda machine is facing challenges. Russians are increasingly turning to alternative sources for news, such as the messaging app Telegram, while the influence of state TV declines. Telegram has become a platform for both pro-war content and criticism of the authorities. The Kremlin has struggled to control the narrative in this space. This is exemplified by the case of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a mercenary boss who led an unsuccessful mutiny against Russia’s defense ministry. Before the mutiny, a survey showed that 55% of respondents had a positive attitude towards him, suggesting a growing popularity and a weakening control by the Kremlin.
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