Policymakers abroad: on Principles & Values

Vladimir Putin: Positioned as a defender of traditional Christian values

As Putin prepared to return for a third term, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, described the ex-KGB officer's rule as a "miracle of God." The patriarch's comments were a stark illustration, critics said, of the erosion of the separation of church and state, as stipulated by Russia's post-Soviet constitution. Over the following years, Putin, who professes a deep Orthodox belief, would shift to ultra-conservatism, positioning himself as a defender of traditional Christian values. Source: Politico Europe on Foreign Influencers Dec 24, 2019

Vladimir Putin: Has given the church a major voice in society

Putin, dressed in nothing but a pair of blue swimming trunks, immersed himself in the freezing water of a cross-shaped pool near Moscow, observing an Orthodox Christian ritual to mark the feast of Epiphany. Putin, 68, grew up under Communist rule where open shows of religion were frowned upon. As president, he has become a frequent attender of Russian Orthodox ceremonies, and has given the church a major voice in society. Source: Reuters News Service on Foreign Influencers Jan 19, 2021

Vladimir Putin: Foundations of Orthodox culture are taught in public schools

Many evangelicals feel uneasy about the increasing marginalization of religion in the West. Some of them find appeal in Putin's brazen rejection of secularism. Russian powers-that-be proclaim boldly that Russia is the Christian nation. Russian Orthodox priests are routinely invited to participate in various public functions. With Putin's blessing, foundations of Orthodox culture are taught in public schools. Source: Baptist News on Foreign Influencers Jul 6, 2020

Vladimir Putin: Patriotism is Russia's national idea

Putin submitted legislation adding patriotism and war history to Russia's education law. Putin's amendments seek to add "a sense of patriotism and citizenship, respect for the memory of the defenders of the Fatherland and the achievements of the Fatherland's heroes" to the law's current definition of upbringing. Earlier, Putin reiterated his long-held stance identifying patriotism as Russia's national idea. Source: The Moscow Times on Foreign Influencers May 22, 2020

Xi Jinping: Resolution makes Xi the equal of Mao and Deng in history

The Chinese Communist Party has passed a "historical resolution," cementing Xi Jinping's status in political history. The document, a summary of the party's 100-year history, addresses its key achievements and future directions. It is only the third of its kind since the founding of the party--the first was passed by Mao Zedong in 1945 and the second by Deng Xiaoping in 1981. Source: BBC on Foreign Influences: "Historic Resolution" Nov 12, 2021

Xi Jinping: Moral review councils use public shaming for enforcement

[On "China's New Reality"]: "Moral review councils" and "moral clinics" are enforcing orthodox behaviour using public shaming. Although there is as yet no prospect of anything as awful as the Cultural Revolution, Chinese people are becoming less free to think and talk. As well as promoting his own doctrines, Mr Xi has played up Red nostalgia and cast Maoism as a vital stage in building a New China, broadening his support before the party congress. Source: The Economist on Foreign Influences: "Rife with Danger" Oct 2, 2021

Rishi Sunak: First Hindu British PM: "I am open about being a Hindu"

[As the first Hindu British Prime Minister], "I am open about being a Hindu," Sunak said. He will be the first Hindu to become British prime minister, securing the position on Diwali, the festival of lights that marks one of the most important days of the Hindu calendar. Sunak himself made history in 2020 when he lit Diwali candles outside 11 Downing Street, the official residence of the UK chancellor. Source: CNN "Final candidates" on Foreign Influences Jul 24, 2022

Rishi Sunak: Said he wanted to be a Jedi Knight when he grew up

In 2016, he told a group of schoolchildren that he originally wanted to be a Jedi Knight when he grew up. His favourite Star Wars film is The Empire Strikes Back. Source: BBC "A quick guide" on Foreign Influences Oct 25, 2022

Donald Trump: FactCheck: Putin and Russian trolling support Trump

Ilya Gambashidze and his company were named among the architects of a disinformation campaign known as Doppelganger that has for the past 2 years been targeting Ukraine & US elections. The Doppelganger campaign uses AI-generated content on dozens of fake websites designed to impersonate mainstream media outlets.

[Newly unsealed] court documents contain a treasure trove of documents, outlining the Kremlin's tactics to influence the outcome of the 2024 US election.

The records also reveal the plan was discussed at the highest levels of the Russian government, appearing to show that President Vladimir Putin may have been updated.

The orchestrators of the campaign targeted existing divisions within US society, using racist stereotypes and far-right conspiracies to target supporters of former president Donald Trump.

The plan lists a variety of targeted audiences, including residents of swing states, American Jews, "US citizens of Hispanic descent," and the "community of American gamers."

Source: Wired.com FactCheck on Foreign Influences in 2024 Pres. race Sep 5, 2024

Kamala Harris: Putin and Russia should stay out of our elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he supports Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in November's presidential election, joking about her "infectious" laugh as a reason to prefer her over Donald Trump.

His remark came just hours after the Biden administration accused Moscow of a widespread, sophisticated election interference campaign. U.S. intelligence agencies believe Putin is hoping for Trump to take the White House in November, given his skepticism over U.S. funding of Ukraine's war machine.

"I told you our favorite, if you can call it that, was President Biden. He's now out of the race, but he asked his supporters to back Ms. Harris, so we'll do the same," Putin said with a wry smile. "The choice is ultimately up to the American people, and we will respect that decision. Favorites aren't for us to decide--it's the American people's choice," he added.

In response, a U.S. national security spokesman said, "Putin should just stay out of our elections."

Source: Newsweek on Foreign Influences on 2024 Presidential race Sep 5, 2024

Vladimir Putin: Putin claims "Russia supports Harris", sarcastically?