Russian Language Programme
UK government programme to support independent Russian-language media and counter disinformation
| Russian Language Programme | |
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| Type | Government programme |
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| Dissolved | April 2016 (amalgamated) |
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| Headquarters | |
| Location | United Kingdom |
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The Russian Language Programme (RLP) was a United Kingdom government initiative launched in 2014 by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) following Russia's annexation of Crimea.[1] It operated as part of the HMG Russia Unit within the FCO's Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate (EECAD) and was funded by the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).[2]
The programme sought to enhance the quality of independent Russian-language media, engage Russian-speaking communities (particularly in the Baltic states) to promote social cohesion, and counter Russian state disinformation.[3]
In 2018 the FCO claimed that the RLP was amalgamated in 2016 into the Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme (CDMD), a four-year strategic communications initiative authorised by the National Security Council.[1]
History
The RLP was established in 2014 to co-ordinate expertise from the FCO, Ministry of Defence, Department for International Development and external partners in response to what were described as'Russian information operations'.[3]
Objectives and activities
A contemporary report makes clear that the programme aimed to "enhance independent media; to engage with Russian speakers; and to expose Russian Government disinformation."[3] Support included mentoring with UK media organisations, consultancy on programming, funded co-productions and regional Russian-language media initiatives.[2]
In the Baltic states it focused on youth empowerment, sport, arts and social enterprise to build social cohesion and resilience against disinformation.[2]
Funding
The RLP was funded through the CSSF and overseen by the National Security Secretariat (NSS) in the Cabinet Office.[1]
For financial year 2017/18 the budget was £8 million.[2] The wider set of projects coordinated under the FCO-led Russian Language Programme was described as worth some £70 million over four years - 2014-18.[3]
| Activity | Amount |
|---|---|
| Enhancing independent media | £5,950,000 |
| Engaging Russian speakers (Baltic states) | £1,950,000 |
| Programme delivery | £100,000 |
| Total | £8,000,000 |
Amalgamation into CDMD
A parliamentary answer states: "In April 2016 we launched a new four year strategic communications and media development programme authorised by the National Security Council, called the Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme. The former Russian Language Programme was amalgamated into this."[1] The UK Government response of 20 July 2017 and the December 2018 parliamentary answer both refer to the CDMD as formally incorporating the RLP.[3][1]
Connection to the Integrity Initiative
Funding provided to the Institute for Statecraft for the Integrity Initiative came, according to FCO Written Answers, from the Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme, into which the RLP had been amalgamated.[1] Leaked documents on the Integrity Initiative showed it had been funded by the RLP.
See also
- Counter Disinformation and Media Development Programme
- Conflict, Stability and Security Fund
- Integrity Initiative
- Andy Pryce
External links
UK Government response to Foreign Affairs Committee report (20 July 2017)
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Sir Alan Duncan, Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Integrity Initiative UK Parliament, 10 December 2018.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Russian Language Programme CSSF Programme Summary EECAD, 2017.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 UK Government, Government Response to the Committee's Seventh Report House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, received 20 July 2017.