FAQ

The project aims to understand Russian propaganda and disinformation targeting the Arabic-speaking world as well as serve as a resource for academics and others interested in this topic. As a starting point, the project examines content from Russian state-affiliated Telegram channels to uncover the strategies used in these information campaigns and their impact on public perception

This project uniquely combines AI and human expertise to analyze state-sponsored media narratives, a crucial aspect in today's information-rich landscape. It provides an in-depth understanding of how propaganda and disinformation are crafted and disseminated, especially in the Arabic-speaking world, helping to illuminate tactics used in global information warfare.

The insights from this project are valuable for a diverse range of stakeholders. Journalists and media professionals can use them to better understand and report on state-sponsored narratives. Policymakers and governmental organizations can leverage the findings to develop strategies for countering disinformation. Academics and researchers can use the data for further study on information dissemination and propaganda tactics. Lastly, the general public can gain a more critical perspective on the news and information they consume.

Given the geopolitical significance of the Arabic-speaking world and Russia's growing influence in global politics, understanding the nature of Russian state-sponsored media strategies in this region is crucial. It helps in comprehending how public opinion and perceptions are shaped, which can have significant implications for international relations, security, and regional stability.

This project's blended approach of AI-driven analysis with human expertise sets a new standard for research in media studies and information analysis. It demonstrates the effectiveness of combining technological tools with human judgment for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of complex data sets. This methodology can be a model for future research in similar fields.

Telegram's significance stems from its growing popularity in the Middle East and its Russian roots, making it a pivotal platform for our study. Its Russian origins are particularly relevant given the focus on Russian state-sponsored media. While not widely used in Europe, Telegram has gained traction in the Middle East due to its user-friendly interface, robust privacy features, and less restrictive content policies compared to other social media platforms. This has made it a popular channel for news dissemination and public discourse, offering a unique and rich dataset for analyzing Russian propaganda and disinformation strategies targeted at Arabic-speaking audiences. Understanding the dynamics of Telegram’s use in this context provides valuable insights into how narratives are shaped and disseminated in a region that is strategically significant both to Russia and the broader international community.

By making the raw data publicly available, the project fosters a collaborative environment where researchers, academics, and other interested parties can conduct their own analyses, potentially leading to new discoveries and insights. This open-access approach enhances the collective understanding of state-backed media strategies and encourages a wider discourse on the subject.

By uncovering and disseminating information about state-sponsored propaganda and disinformation strategies, the project serves as an educational tool. It raises public awareness about the nuances and complexities of media consumption, encouraging a more critical and discerning approach to news and information, which is essential for media literacy in the modern age.

Accuracy and reliability are ensured through multiple layers of analysis. AI algorithms provide initial insights, which are then rigorously examined and verified by human experts. Furthermore, the inter-coder reliability test in the manual coding process ensures consistency and objectivity in categorizing the data. This multi-faceted approach minimizes biases and errors, enhancing the credibility of the findings. Transparency in the method and access to the data enables replicability and enhances overall reliability.

The future of this project involves expanding our analysis to cover more diverse sources and applying our methodology to other state-sponsored or state-related media outlets on Telegram or other platforms targeting the Middle East and possibly, other regions. We see great potential in refining our AI models for greater accuracy and adaptability, and to explore the integration of more advanced technologies like machine learning for predictive analytics. Another key aspect could be the longitudinal study of these propaganda trends over time to understand how narratives evolve. We also aim to establish partnerships with academic institutions, media watchdogs, and journalists.

We are open to collaboration with researchers, data scientists, policy makers, journalists, students, and technology professionals. Contributions can range from assisting in data analysis, providing expert insights, aiding in technological development, to offering financial support or resources. Those interested in collaborating can reach out via our project website’s contact form or the email provided on the site. We encourage potential collaborators to share their ideas and expertise, and to explore ways they can contribute to achieving the project's goals.