Russian political, military, and business leaders have long recognized the crucial importance of controlling the information space to maintain power. However, their capabilities in this area now seem to be rapidly diminishing due to two adversities.
The first is the growing threat from generative artificial intelligence. The computational power of computers and the development algorithms themselves pose a threat to Russian dominance in the information field. Other countries, such as the United States and China, are also aware of the potential of artificial intelligence and are competing for its development.
The second adversity that Russia must face is the war in Ukraine. This conflict has caused deep wounds to Russia’s reputation on the international stage. Public opinion worldwide is paying attention to Russia’s actions in this matter, and social media platforms enable the rapid and global dissemination of information. Russia is not only losing control of the narrative but also becoming the subject of criticism and international isolation.
Both adversities impact Russia’s ability to take leadership in the information field. If it fails to address the threat of generative artificial intelligence and repair its reputation, there is a risk of being excluded from the international information community. Other countries will quickly surpass Russia, which could have long-lasting consequences for its position on the global stage.