Information Warfare and Disinformation: The Example of the Occupation of Latvia in June of 1940

Abstract

Applying the concept of information warfare, the study examines the influence of the USSR on the information space of Latvia during its occupation in June 1940 and taking over power. Using memoir literature, the article presents the characteristics of media activity. The research analyses the contents of the 17–19 June issues of the most influential newspapers “Jaunākās Ziņas”, “Brīvā Zeme” and “Rīts” in order to detect disinformation published therein and information available to people. It was concluded that the USSR successfully implemented the information warfare, achieving complete control of Latvia’s information space. The main information materials provided to the audience of the Latvian media contained blatant misinformation, as they defined the relations between Latvia and the USSR as friendly and the Red Army as a friendly army.