2026-09-23T22:29:43Z https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-uni-passau/oai

oai:kobv.de-opus4-uni-passau:1610 2025-08-13 bibliography:false doc-type:PhDThesis open_access ddc ddc:077 ddc:303 ddc:320

From Faking Online Content to Orchestrating Its Creation by Public Workers: Examining Russian Disinformation Production Organisations through Curriculum Vitae Analysis (2013-2024) Serge Poliakoff 077 303 320 disinformation disinformation-for-hire troll farm troll factory propaganda propaganda organisations disinfromation production organisations CV analysis This dissertation examines the evolution of Russian digital authoritarianism, focusing on its organisations that produce disinformation, the transition from the Internet Research Agency to the Patriot Media Group and the emergence of ANO Dialog. It shows how the Internet Research Agency operated as a sophisticated "troll farm" during the early stages of the Russo-Ukrainian war, with activities similar to those of a PR firm. The Patriot Media Group absorbed these activities, blurring the lines between media and disinformation and prioritising metrics-driven propaganda over journalistic professionalism. This dissertation identifies the organisation ANO Dialog as a new model, heavily integrated with state structures, combining digital surveillance, repression, and Soviet-style agitation adapted to the digital age. Using a novel methodology of career profile collection and analysis, my research illustrates the institutionalisation and regional expansion of disinformation tactics in Russian digital authoritarianism, highlighting its operational adaptability and evolving infrastructure. Universität Passau Passau Innstrasse 29, 94032 Passau Florian Töpfl Kevin Limonier 2025-07-10 2025-08-01 PhDThesis Text urn:nbn:de:bvb:739-opus4-16100 application/pdf eng Creative Commons - CC BY-SA - Namensnennung - Weitergabe unter gleichen Bedingungen 4.0 International thesis.doctoral Universität Passau Passau Sozial- und Bildungswissenschaftliche Fakultät 1 https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-uni-passau/oai/container/index/docId/1610 https://opus4.kobv.de/opus4-uni-passau/frontdoor/index/index/docId/1610