Disinformation in interstate relations: the role of special services

Abstract

Today, disinformation in interstate relations can create real and potential threats to national security of Ukraine and stability in society. The real threat to Ukraine is disinformation carried out by the russian federation, in particular via propaganda. It uses huge amounts of disinformation that is quickly presented and constantly repeated, there is no logic. Disinformation is especially active in the military-political and international relations, as well as in the spheres of economics, science, etc. As a subversive activity of foreign special services, it is a threat to the territorial integrity, economic, scientific, technical and defense potential of Ukraine. Dividing intelligence activities into four main types: 1) the creation of intelligence positions; 2) intelligence and information activities; 3) beneficial secret influence; 4) direct undermining, or subversion, we focus on the two latter, since the beneficial secret influence is nothing more than special information operations and actions carried out by a wide range of public and private bodies. Subversive activity – actions aimed at the illegal change of the established public order, state system and / or existing bodies of power and society. They are used as a tool to achieve political goals, as a means of less risk and cost compared to open hostilities. They can be carried out applying various methods, such as: propaganda, provocations, financial fraud, violence, etc. The subject of disinformation in the field of international relations is the state represented by its governmental bodies which are authorized to carry out activities in this area. These are subdivisions and institutions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (including embassies, consulates), other ministries and departments whose activities are related to the implementation of functions related to the resolution of issues related to disinformation, special services of foreign states, etc. Disinformation may involve non-governmental organizations, political and public organizations, mass media, institutions engaged in financial, economic, entrepreneurial activities, etc. This activity can be organized and coordinated by special bodies under the leadership of the state, such as the National Security and Defense Council, or special services, or this work can be carried out jointly. Special services may also be assigned the role of engaging in disinformation activities of various structures whose activities are not officially related to the performance of such tasks. Key words: disinformation, interstate relations, threat, national security of Ukraine, subversive activity, foreign special services, propaganda, fake, special information operations.