Mapping Russian Media Network: Media’s Role in Russian Foreign Policy and Decision-making Vera Zakem, Paul Saunders, Umida Hashimova, and P. Kathleen Hammerberg January 2018 Cleared for Public Release DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited. This document contains the best opinion of CNA at the time of issue. It does not necessarily represent the opinion of the sponsor. Distribution DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited. SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: N00014-16-D-5003 01/29/2018 Request additional copies of this document through
[email protected]. Photography Credit: President Vladimir Putin speaking at a press conference. July 10, 2015. http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/49909/photos Approved by: January 2018 Ken E. Gause, Director International Affairs Group Center for Strategic Studies Copyright © 2017 CNA Abstract Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has used media as an important instrument and lever of influence. The role of media in promoting Russian foreign policy and exerting the influence of President Vladimir Putin has become increasingly visible since the conflict Ukraine and other domestic and international confrontations began. CNA has undertaken an effort to map the Russian media environment and examine Russian decision-making as it relates to the media. This report provides an overview of the role that the media plays in Russian foreign policy. Specifically, we examine Russia’s media environment, Russia’s decision- making related to media and messaging, including the drivers and boundaries of that decision-making. We evaluate the role of Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, and finally, we examine the role that Russia’s media and messaging plays in external influence.