Russia uses hybrid or asymmetric tactics – in particular disinformation and offensive cyber activities – to advance its goals in Eastern Europe and beyond. Russian websites have already tried to spread vicious rumours about NATO troops in the Baltics. Closer to home they have spread rumours about the family history of Canada’s foreign minister and have worked to manipulate aspects of Baltic history in an effort to marginalize their security concerns. Kremlin meddling was clearly a factor in the US, French and German elections and Canada can expect the same in future elections. Meanwhile, Russia has a wide range of cyber tools and resources at their disposal. Kremlin cyber warriors are capable of targeting everything from individual mobile phones to the IT infrastructures of entire governments. The Baltic countries have been exposed to these types of threat for some time and are well familiar with the danger. To shed light on this issue, MLI is hosting a panel event that will bring together some of the leading thinkers on the strategic threat posed by Russia. By explaining the anatomy of a hybrid warfare campaign, its use of disinformation, and the dangers of cyber attacks, Canadians will better understand the threat that our troops and allies will face in the Baltics – and the possible dangers closer to home. Speakers
- Jānis Garisons, State Secretary, Latvian Ministry of Defence
- Tom Nichols, US Naval War College
- Alexander Moens, Simon Fraser University
- Marcus Kolga, Macdonald-Laurier Institute
- Alexandra Gheciu, University of Ottawa (moderator)
Event details:
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018
- Time: 10 am - 12 pm (Registration starts at 9:30)
- Location: Kildare House, 323 Chapel Street, Ground Floor
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