The Guardian: Russia Tried to Co-opt a Leader of Occupy Wall Street

Social movements can expect infiltration by undercover domestic or foreign intelligence agents. Micah White, an Occupy Wall Street organizer, describes an interviewer who asked questions about an online group, later learning that the phony group was “run by the nefarious Internet Research Agency, a Russian private intelligence and propaganda firm.” Such troll groups target both conservatives and liberals to instigate divisions, instability and even violence. White points out “that Russia now seems less interested in supporting authentic movements and more concerned with outright control.” He opposes restrictions on social media. He opposes limits on foreign support for activism, pointing out the United States, from its very start, relied on French support during the American Revolution. Likewise, Russian media helped spread support for Occupy Wall Street to more than 80 nations. He urges activists to educate themselves to avoid becoming pawns. Groups should avoid scripted activism so predictable that fake groups receive more online support than real groups. “Genuine social protests with legitimate grievances will extend around the world,” he concludes. “So let’s ensure that foreign governments fear that the protests they create abroad will return home…. our best defense is a global offense.” – YaleGlobal