Understanding susceptibility to Russian propaganda

A Baltic comparison

Bibliographic Data

ID23310996
AuthorsUku Kangur (0009-0005-9393-6848, University of Tartu, corresponding author), Girts Dimdins (0000-0002-4129-1743, University of Latvia), Darius Plikynas (0000-0002-5906-2324, Vilnius University), Rajesh Sharma (0000-0002-5422-7126, Plaksha University)
Year2026
Pages1-39
Publication date2026-07-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Contemporary European Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1478-2790 • E-ISSN: 1478-2804
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14782804.2026.2710414
OpenAlexW7171681623
LanguageEN
References cited58

This study examines susceptibility to Russian propaganda in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania using survey data (N = 1218). Susceptibility was measured through agreement with 20 statements representing 10 narratives. Multi-factor ANOVA models identify how demographic and information-environment factors relate to this continuous score. Across countries, linguistic identity and trust in Russian-oriented or alternative platforms increase susceptibility, whereas trust in mainstream news, experts, and science has protective effects. Emotional reactions to social media and perceived online influence also play meaningful roles. Clustering identifies four audience profiles, showing that vulnerability reflects intersecting patterns of identity, information access, and media engagement.

Cluster analysis · Identity (music) · Mainstream · Social media · Vulnerability (computing) · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Media and Politics

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access