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mogreig's review against another edition
3.0
A fascinating dive into the world of apes and mis-information over the past 100 years.
stevenyenzer's review against another edition
4.0
Rid is strong on history and (in my amateur opinion) not as strong on cyber and current affairs. Nonetheless, I appreciated his historical context and current perspective.
leesmyth's review against another edition
5.0
Very interesting overview and analysis, if rather grim.
'The goal of disinformation is to engineer division by putting emotion over analysis, division over unity, conflict over consensus, the particular over the universal.'
This seems to be exactly where America is now.
'The goal of disinformation is to engineer division by putting emotion over analysis, division over unity, conflict over consensus, the particular over the universal.'
This seems to be exactly where America is now.
eawtcu2015's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating look at the history of disinformation and how people keep falling for the same tricks with different coats of paint. Would have liked more examples and stories from outside of the USA/USSR conflict but that might have to be an entirely different book.
multiplexer's review against another edition
4.0
Solid History of Active Measures during the Cold War
Active Measures shines in the first 2/3rds of the book as it follows rigorously sourced examples starting from messing with White Russians all the way through to the fake AIDS created in Fort Detrick rumors (which still float around today). The book falls apart in the age of the Internet, where the stories are not as well sourced and fall to speculation. All In all, a good, educational read.
Active Measures shines in the first 2/3rds of the book as it follows rigorously sourced examples starting from messing with White Russians all the way through to the fake AIDS created in Fort Detrick rumors (which still float around today). The book falls apart in the age of the Internet, where the stories are not as well sourced and fall to speculation. All In all, a good, educational read.
benrogerswpg's review against another edition
4.0
Now this was a pretty good book.
I particularly thought it was interesting and I ended up learning quite a lot about Russia.
One of the better recent Russia reads of mine.
4.1/5
I particularly thought it was interesting and I ended up learning quite a lot about Russia.
One of the better recent Russia reads of mine.
4.1/5
awkseance's review against another edition
5.0
One of the few pop history books that actually has a thoughtful and good conclusion rather than just throwing up its hands and saying "welp guess we will never know" or just coming to a one note conclusion without any critical awareness.
I agree with criticisms that it omits focus on US active measures, however part of me wonders how much of this is due to the US intelligence service generally being more incompetent and less effective at a well executed active measure. A few cases that I notice were omitted also happened to be identified extremely quickly due to sloppy work. But would be interested to research this more. Also I think that there is simply less information available as the breakup of the USSR means more former participants being able to come forward and vaults being unlocked. Indeed the examination of possible recent or ongoing campaigns still end up having to rest on assumption because...well.... It's recent or ongoing.
I agree with criticisms that it omits focus on US active measures, however part of me wonders how much of this is due to the US intelligence service generally being more incompetent and less effective at a well executed active measure. A few cases that I notice were omitted also happened to be identified extremely quickly due to sloppy work. But would be interested to research this more. Also I think that there is simply less information available as the breakup of the USSR means more former participants being able to come forward and vaults being unlocked. Indeed the examination of possible recent or ongoing campaigns still end up having to rest on assumption because...well.... It's recent or ongoing.
feoh's review against another edition
Overall this is an excellent book, especially if you, as I do, find true tales of intrigue around intelligence services creating elaborate disinformation campaigns throughout history.