Українознавство (Dec 2018)
Information Dimension of the 2008 Russian-Georgian Conflict: Lessons for Ukraine
Abstract
The article is devoted to the consideration of the specifics of information confrontation during the Russian-Georgian conflict of 2008. Ukraine, as any country in the world, has a strong need for an effective system to counter information challenges and attacks. Nowadays, some countries consider the information war as an effective tool for foreign policy implementation. The development of information security in the current humanitarian situation of Ukraine requires studying and taking into account relevant achievements of the modern foreign countries. Thus, especially valuable is the experience gained in similar international situations, namely in the Russian-Georgian conflict of 2008, its information component being of particular interest. The majority of scientists support the idea that the information confrontation in this conflict, despite the apparent military and technical superiority of the Russian Federation, remains on the Georgian side. A prerequisite for conducting an effective information war against the Russian Federation in 2008 was the implementation of reforms in the early 21st century, strengthening of freedom of speech, and further establishment of the media system in the country. An effective, systematic work of media, although not free from subjective assessments, served the success of the information campaign of the Georgian side. Russian attempts to show Georgia as an aggressor, similar to those undertaken in modern Ukraine, were not successful; moreover, Georgian media, together with foreign journalists, managed to disclose the occupational character of the Russian Federation’s actions. “Georgian lessons” of information war should be considered as an important foundation for the development of the information security strategy of Ukraine. Evidently, their analysis should be systematic and unprejudiced, should take into consideration all achievements and mistakes of the performers, and, above all, allow for an objective and adequate forecast of new humanitarian challenges.
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