Russian Anti-Western Disinformation, Media Consumption and Public Opinion in Georgia

Abstract

States have learned how to use media as a means of propagating disinformation in the furtherance of their geopolitical goals. Often these efforts employ conspiracy theories that target other countries, whether as direct adversaries or in third-party states. Russia has a well-deserved reputation for being especially adept at this practice as it seeks to influence public opinion in other states through its international channels as well as domestic media and local politicians in the target countries. This article assesses the impact of disinformation campaigns in the Republic of Georgia. Using survey data from 2019, we examine how three specific anti-Western conspiracy theories were amplified by media outlets associated with Russia or with Georgian outlets that aired material more sympathetic to Russian foreign policy preferences. We found that respondents who trusted Georgian media with a pro-Russian orientation and/or who were exposed to Russian television were more likely to accept conspiracy theories aligned with Russia’s geopolitical interests, suggesting that Russian disinformation efforts might be moderately successful in persuading some Georgian citizens.