PIPELINE OF INFLUENCE: NORD STREAM 2 AND ‘INFORMATSIONNAYA VOYNA’
PIPELINE OF INFLUENCE: NORD STREAM 2 AND ‘INFORMATSIONNAYA VOYNA’
Author(s): Vera Michlin-ShapirSubject(s): Energy and Environmental Studies, Economic policy, Environmental and Energy policy, International relations/trade
Published by: NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
Keywords: strategic communications; strategic communication; Nord Stream 2; ‘informatsionnaya voyna’; Russia; Germany; Critical Discourse Analysis;
Summary/Abstract: This article studies Nord Stream 2 by analysing Russian and German discourses within a combined approach of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) methodology, strategic communications, and Russian ‘informatsionnaya voyna’ (information war) theories. It argues that the holistic approach of strategic communications and its closely corresponding Russian concept of ‘informatsionnaya voyna’ help to explain Nord Stream 2 as a project that, alongside its economic goals, aims to increase schism in the West. Using CDA the article presents an analysis of official Russian and German media discourses which points to a discursive dynamic between them. Ideas that were promoted by Russia were aimed at inducing divisions and discord in the West. This makes a novel contribution to the understanding of Nord Stream 2 as a confrontation in media space. Furthermore, it contributes to the understanding of how the Russian concept of ‘informatsionnaya voyna’ is applied in practice.
Journal: Defence Strategic Communications
- Issue Year: 10/2021
- Issue No: 10
- Page Range: 241-280
- Page Count: 40
- Language: English