Information warfare in the South Caucasus and Moldova

The four countries that are the focus of this report— Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Moldova—navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. This complexity is reflected in their information spaces. Their collective legacy bears the indelible imprint of Soviet imperi­alistic rule, yet each is marked by a distinct identity and national trajectory that defy collective general­izations as mere “former Soviet republics.” Russia’s lingering influence continues to manifest in varying degrees across the four countries, each facing its unique vulnerabilities, shaped by domestic and external political landscapes.

Armenia, nestled in the South Caucasus, balances a historically rooted alliance with Russia and aspi­rations for greater independence. However, this delicate relationship has deteriorated since the war in Ukraine began. Azerbaijan, a regional power­house endowed with vast oil wealth, walks a fine line in its diplomatic relations, balancing its ties with Russia and the West. Georgia, long pursuing Euro-At­lantic integration and advancement of democracy, constantly faces pressure from Russia, with Moscow maintaining a presence in the 20 percent of Geor­gian territory that it has occupied since 2008. Mol­dova, grappling with its internal divisions, including a self-proclaimed republic and an autonomous region, and mindful of the war next door in Ukraine, fends off Russian interference efforts that seek to undermine its stability and autonomy.

Since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin, along with actors aligned with its inter­ests, has targeted all four countries with a barrage of information operations and broader influence efforts. This report examines the information landscape of each of the four countries from a political and securi­ty perspective, focusing on the period preceding the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine through 2024. It also offers a comparative analysis of the informa­tion environments in the four countries, identifying patterns and notable differences.

Eto Buziashvili, Research Associate
Sopo Gelava, Research Associate
Givi Gigitashvili, Research Associate
Ani Mejlumyan, Research Assistant
Victoria Olari, Research Assistant

Report Feb 29, 2024

Undermining Ukraine: How Russia widened its global information war in 2023

By the Digital Forensic Research Lab

On the battlefield, Russia has made strategic gains. In the information sphere, it has the resources and will to outlast the West.

Disinformation Eastern Europe

Report Apr 19, 2021

Fighting for the hearts and minds of Sakartvelo: The Georgian information environment during the 2020 parliamentary election

By Eto Buziashvili, Givi Gigitashvili, Sopo Gelava, Graham Brookie, Andy Carvin, Iain Robertson, Zarine Kharazian

A technical analysis of how various online actors, both foreign and domestic, attempted to manipulate public opinion and influence the recent Georgian parliamentary election results.

Disinformation Elections

Image: Illustration of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Moldova. Laura Gillette/Unsplash