Roadmap of a cwc disinformation campaign
Provision of “Evidence”:
Providing or referencing misleading or deliberately misinterpreted video footage, photos, or laboratory findings as “evidence” of nefarious activity
What does this commonly used tactic look like in BWC statements and documents?
Note Verbale #68 (Annex 1), submitted by the Russian Federation to the OPCW (2024)
Note Verbale #39, submitted by the Russian Federation to the OPCW (2024)
Appeal to Emotions:
Using emotionally manipulative language or content to elicit feelings of outrage, fear, anger, and/or sympathy
What does this commonly used tactic look like in BWC statements and documents?
Note Verbale #38, submitted by the Russian Federation to the OPCW (2023)
Note Verbale #44, submitted by the Russian Federationto the OPCW (2021)
Discrediting the OPCW:
Disputing or questioning the validity of OPCW reports; falsely accusing the OPCW of engaging in data falsification, manipulation, or deceit
What does this commonly used tactic look like in BWC statements and documents?
Note Verbale #15, submitted by the Russian Federation to the OPCW (2025)
Note Verbale #759, submitted by the Russian Federation to the OPCW (2019)
Accusation in a Mirror:
Accusing another state of what you yourself have been accused of (and have likely done/are doing)
What does this commonly used tactic look like in BWC statements and documents?
Note Verbale #38, submitted by the Russian Federation to the OPCW (2023)
Aide Memoire submitted by the Russian Federation to the OPCW (2018)
Flooding the Zone:
Flooding the information environment with numerous, repetitive allegations, often using a standard template
What does this commonly used tactic look like in BWC statements and documents?
Note Verbale #68 (Annex 2), submitted by the Russian Federation to the OPCW (2024)
Note Verbale #68 (Annex 1), submitted by the Russian Federation to the OPCW (2024)
