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Active Measures

The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Active Measures by Thomas Rid explores the history and tactics of disinformation, delving into how such strategies have been employed from the early 20th century to contemporary times. The book uncovers the ways in which governments and intelligence agencies have manipulated truth to influence public perception and political landscapes.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the intricacies of espionage, disinformation, and covert operations throughout history. This compelling exploration of intelligence tactics offers deep insights into the shadowy world of state-sponsored deceit and its impact on global events.

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Active Measures

This startling history of secret psychological operations traces the century-long rise of organized deception from the Russian Revolution to contemporary internet troll farms.

This startling history of secret psychological operations traces the century-long rise of organized deception from the Russian Revolution to contemporary internet troll farms

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Active Measures by Thomas Rid delves into the shadowy world of modern espionage and psychological warfare, offering a compelling narrative that spans over a century of international intrigue. The book illustrates how intelligence agencies around the globe have honed their craft of deception, manipulation, and subversion, often aiming to undermine the essential pillar of liberal democracy: trust in facts.

Thomas Rid, an authority on technology and national security, brings his extensive knowledge to light, showing how these deceptive practices have evolved. He provides a profound examination on how entities like the KGB, CIA, and contemporary Russian military intelligence have engaged in 'active measures'—covert operations designed to influence events and public perceptions. Rid sheds light on pivotal historical events while drawing unsettling parallels to our current geopolitical landscape, making it crystal clear that the disinformation campaigns seen today have deep and elaborate roots.

In a spellbinding journey through clandestine activities, Rid uncovers some of the most audacious and, at times, almost unbelievable intelligence operations ever conducted. For instance, he recounts how a White Russian scheme inadvertently led to the downfall of a New York police commissioner, and how a KGB-orchestrated anti-Semitic campaign stealthily made its way back across the Berlin Wall. He also reveals less-known operations, such as the CIA's backing of a faux publishing empire managed by a former Wehrmacht U-boat commander, which surprisingly resulted in the production of Germany's premier jazz magazine.

This riveting exposé not only brings to light some of history’s most clandestine episodes but also serves as a warning. Active Measures emphasises the importance of vigilance in the face of misinformation and highlights the continuous struggle for factual integrity in the modern world. Rid's meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this a must-read for anyone interested in the intricate dance of global espionage and the silent battles for truth that shape our reality.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Active Measures by Thomas Rid is highly praised for its comprehensive exploration of disinformation and political warfare over the past century. Reviewers highlight its detailed account of historical events, thrilling stories, and the modern implications of disinformation. Experts commend Rid for providing crucial historical contexts and insights into contemporary disinformation tactics, making it a vital read for understanding both past and present deception campaigns.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788160759

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 August 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 390g

Pages: 528

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About the Author

Thomas Rid is a professor at Johns Hopkins University. He is the author most recently of the acclaimed Rise of the Machines (2016), a history of cybernetics. He testified on disinformation in front of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

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