Abstract
ABSTRACT This article explores pranking as a novel form of manipulative communication in global politics, focusing on the Russian state-aligned phone pranksters Vladimir Kuznetsov (Vovan) and Alexey Stolyarov (Lexus). Since 2014, the duo has duped over 200 prominent Western critics of the Kremlin into discussing Russia-related topics. Russian media and officials frame these pranks as exposing Western elites’ duplicity and Russophobia, while Western media and politicians use them to ridicule their fooled competitors. The pranksters aim to bolster Russian domestic support for the Kremlin’s foreign endeavors and undermine the West by deepening its internal divisions. The article conceptualizes and empirically examines state-sponsored pranking within the broader context of Russia’s challenge to the liberal order, contributing to the understanding of Russian power dynamics, Russia-West relations, and global political communication.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callSimilar Papers
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
