By XHABIR DERALLA
“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist,” says the anthology quote from the movie “The Usual Suspects” (1995), spoken by Verbal Kint (played by Kevin Spacey). This quote encapsulates the essence of Russian propaganda: to deny its existence, and to attribute the propaganda narratives and misinformation to the local population, as if these were the original beliefs and attitudes of the people.
This tendency also reflects a long-standing strategy used by the Kremlin – to convince the public that there is no question of Russian influence when interpreting resistance, disillusionment, and distrust of democratic institutions. This narrative is critical to the installation and smooth functioning of the Kremlin’s human antennas in a country’s public and political discourse. These human antennas serve as instruments in the hands of the Kremlin, and one of their primary tasks is to convince the public that Russian influence, if it exists, is minimal and insignificant.
Senior officials of some political parties in North Macedonia, those that are already deeply connected to the Kremlin and to its propaganda and disinformation narratives, have revitalized and reinforced that narrative, arguing that the Kremlin’s influence in North Macedonia is not as significant as some claim it to be. In a recently aired video podcast, a senior figure in a major political party known for its nationalist and authoritarian drive went so far as to mock those who suggest there is Russian influence in the country, dismissing such claims as baseless. He is not the only official of that party. Some others appeared in public with the same narrative.
What is the purpose?
By downplaying Russian influence, they aim to discredit the reports and analyses, and to “exonerate” the indicated political and social entities from any association with Russian propaganda channels. Furthermore, the denial of Russian malign influence opens the door to even greater operations, through which disinformation and anti-Western propaganda narratives spread unchecked in society. With this denial, they create a perception that people have come to the conclusion on their own: “Russian aggression against Ukraine is justified”. According to the narratives dictated by the Kremlin – and disseminated by the said local human antennas – the aggression is “a special military operation” aimed at defending Russia against the “infestation” of NATO and to counter the alleged “denazification” and “genocide” carried out by Ukraine, supported by Western powers.
The Kremlin’s long-running hybrid war against the West has had a profound and damaging impact on global democracy, particularly evident in the Western Balkans. Incrementally, the Kremlin’s human antennas (recruited in various ways) are infiltrating a range of sectors, including political parties, academic institutions, civil society organizations, the media, businesses, and religious communities. Through years of propaganda operations, they manipulate policies and practices, shape public opinion, and people’s behavior.
These human antennas effortlessly deny Russian influence in order to continue their dirty operations unhindered. The motives for participating in those operations, among other things, include their own progress – whether in politics, the business, or society. Of course, they are not taking into account the devastating consequences for the democracy in the country.
As it approaches the most crucial elections since 2016, the country is facing intense Russian malign influence aggressively propagated through human antennas occupying high positions in politics and various other sectors.
Despite efforts to minimize Russian influence, it is imperative to recognize the insidious nature of these operations. The tactics used by human antennas are not only about manipulating and shaping public opinion but also about undermining the very foundations of democracy. By sowing seeds of doubt, spreading misinformation, and amplifying divisive narratives, they erode trust in democratic institutions and sow discord in society.
Moreover, the consequences of unchecked Russian influence extend beyond political rhetoric. They have real-world implications, including economic destabilization, social unrest, and geopolitical tensions. The consequences of allowing human antennas to operate unhindered (and with impunity) can be felt far beyond the borders of any individual nation, posing a threat to regional and global stability.
As we navigate the complexities of modern geopolitics, it is essential to remain vigilant against the machinations of malign actors. Acknowledging the existence of Russian influence and actively opposing it is not only a matter of protecting democracy, but also of protecting the collective interests and security of nations around the world.
In meeting this challenge, it is critical that governments, civil society organizations, academia, the media, and individuals work together – to expose and counter the narratives propagated by the Kremlin’s human antennas. By fostering transparency, promoting critical thinking, and upholding democratic values, we can mitigate the influence of malign actors and support the integrity of our democratic institutions and the country’s strategic socio-political aspirations.
The battle against Russian malign influence is on, and the stakes are high. By vigilance and active defense of democracy, we have a chance to protect our collective future and ensure that the voice of freedom and truth prevails over those of manipulation and deception.
This is a personal opinion article. All rights reserved.
