“Strategic communications is the weapon that will enable Ukraine to conquer Russia”. Michele Zizza teaches Digital Cultures and Social Media at the University of Viterbo and is one of the leading national experts in the field. It is no coincidence that he now works with Lund University in Sweden, which is responsible for preparing reports for Stratcomcoe, or the military and academic center that studies the impact of communications on social and political processes for NATO. “It is an excellence that deals with understanding how information and communication can threaten the democracies of the world”.
Professor Zizza, what has changed in Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict?
“The fight is experienced in real time. There is no longer only 24hour television, but thanks to social networks and blogs we can say that we are on the battlefield from the moment we wake up until we go to bed. The mobile phones of those who wage war therefore count as much as armor, if not a little more.
Why are they crucial?
“Citizens today produce content that is then distributed by the media. In this, the Ukrainians have proven themselves well. The military is an expert in devices, in remotecontrolled drones. Sometimes a photo of a citizen was enough to make Zelenskyy’s army understand the movements of the Russian convoys. Through apps, people know where to find shelter, where there is water, how to contribute. In addition, thanks to the network, people are made aware of the need to marry the cause. The direct reports of the Prime Minister of Kyiv, the convincing actions are the result of studies “.
So is Zelenskyj a pioneer?
“Ukraine is an outpost when it comes to strategic communications. Zelensky’s knowledge of infotainment dynamics according to Stratcomco and NATO guidelines gives him a significant advantage.
But what doesn’t work in Moscow?
“The Russians are easy to track down. If they are georeferenced, they become targets. You speak plain language and this enables the other person to understand the strategies. Then there is the internal problem of communication.
What does it refer to?
“Putin controls information, but not communications. Although social media is blocked, messaging software like Telegram allows dissenters to submit content other than what the government wants. Even outside Russia, or rather inside the embassies, NATO is feared to be light years ahead in this area.
Why?
“NATO has been prepared for this type of conflict for about ten years. It has always kept up to date. Russia, on the other hand, is only now catching up.
How is Italy ranked?
“In this area, too, we follow the NATO guidelines. It is not enough to resort only to the indispensable tanks or aircraft, war is also waged with hybrid weapons. With this last term I mean those applications and those strategies that then actually allow us to have an advantage over the others. It is essential to know the new platforms, be aware of viruses and specialize in cyber security. A part of the muchdiscussed 2 percent will also be determined in this sense.
What do you mean by military spending?
“Investments in research and innovation. The war has changed. An attack can be carried out by infantry and air forces, but also by other means such as malware, disinformation and takeover. However, the ends are always the same. Defense protects a country not only in times of war, but every day, even when we are at peace with everyone. This allows a democratic and developed nation to remain competitive in international organizations (NATO, UN, EU) and in geopolitical challenges. The war in Ukraine teaches it.
An increasingly widespread problem today is fake news …
“The future will be full of them, as well as deepfakes. Therefore, we must prepare to counteract them, in everyday life as well as in crises. It is important to intercept external intrusions that may influence our internal policies and targeted actions against the strategic asset. Russia has invaded Ukraine after ten years of disinformation in Donbass while NATO has always monitored media campaigns.