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Christina Manos-Bocek's avatar

This is worse than a nightmare because I can’t just shake myself awake

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Martin Belderson's avatar

The term 'useful idiot' is actually a Russian information warfare term of art. It has been in use since long before Trump was born. It describes credulous or otherwise easily influenced individuals who can be prompted, often without payment, to advance Russia's interests. It fits Donald Trump perfectly but make no mistake, thousands have trod that path before him.

Professor Thomas Rid's book, 'Active Measures: A History of Disinformation', is a scholarly study that examines the Russian art of disinformation reaching back beyond the Soviet era. It is an excellent and eye-opening read.

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