Kyiv Ukraine, July 20, 2023, by Mike Robinson, Radio Free Ukraine
As an experienced professional who witnessed the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, I found myself drawn to the leadership and vision of Ukrainian Oleg Magaletsky, an experienced young professional manager, entrepreneur, and innovative thought leader. His commitment to defending Ukraine and championing the cause of freedom for all captive nations and regions within Russia has been nothing short of inspiring. Over time, I have had the privilege of working with him and supporting the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum initiative behind the scenes, which has grown from strength to strength, garnering global momentum in its pursuit of peace, liberty, and self-determination of Russian people in a future very different than the aggressive Russian Federation which is guilty of war crimes against Ukraine and against humanity, as the world watches it continue today. It is through this alliance that I have come to recognize the immense importance of Oleg’s vision and the forum’s mission in championing freedom, peace, and self-determination for captive nations and regions within Russia.
My path crossed with Oleg during a tumultuous period marked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While my experiences as a retired strategic marketing executive, a former Special Forces and counterterrorism officer, USA program manager for the first national level infectious disease surveillance system after 9.11, and a Defense Department advisor have exposed me to various challenges, the devastation caused by this conflict struck a chord within me. Witnessing the resilience and determination of people like Oleg Magaletsky, a Ukrainian young professional turned defender, to safeguard Ukraine’s freedom was deeply inspiring. Oleg doesn’t use a gun or drone in his work; rather he uses the power of strategic communications and IO, Information Operations sometimes called influence operations. The adage that “the pen is mightier than the sword,” by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839, is at the root of this effort led by Oleg.
The Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum serves as a beacon of hope, promoting dialogue, and fostering strategic partnerships to realize a future where nations and regions once captive to the Kremlin’s imperialism can thrive as sovereign entities, free from the shackles of empire. The upcoming 9th forum, scheduled to be held in Turkey and Israel in October 2023, promises to be a pivotal event, drawing representatives from captive nations, think tanks, regional analysts, politicians, and diplomats from NATO and EU countries, along with key stakeholders, media, and opinion leaders. At the core of the forum’s mission lies the pursuit of nation-state building and the establishment of good neighborly relations among regions that have suffered centuries of conflict and enmity. By drawing on past de-imperialization experiences and learning from the successes and mistakes of citizen repatriation policies, the forum seeks to pave the way for peaceful territorial reconfigurations, such as the Idel-Ural Confederation and the Caucasus Confederation, among others.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the forum’s agenda is the focus on viewing geopolitical realities through religious, ethnic, and linguistic prisms. By promoting pluralism and advocating for the secular nature of the new states, the forum aims to minimize the risks of fundamentalism and intolerance. The importance of strategic partnerships cannot be overstated in this endeavor. Oleg Magaletsky and the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum recognize the need for cooperation with countries like Turkey, Israel, Kazakhstan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, China, the EU, and the US, all of which have significant potential to influence the newly independent states and contribute to their development and stability.
Furthermore, the forum is committed to ensuring complete denuclearization and demilitarization of the newly independent states, promoting economic, trade, and security cooperation agreements, and establishing direct dialogues between the potential leaders of Post-Russian states and stakeholders from Turkey and Israel.
It is evident that the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum has evolved into a dynamic and influential platform, providing a space for leaders, intellectuals, activists, and representatives from diverse regions to collaborate and accelerate the process of decolonization. By embracing cultural revival, promoting the restoration of traditions, languages, and identity, the forum seeks to catalyze the catharsis needed to overcome centuries of Kremlin colonial policies. As someone who has been actively involved in supporting this initiative, I can attest to the passion, integrity, and intelligence exhibited by Oleg Magaletsky and the entire team behind the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum. Their dedication to fostering peace, prosperity, and self-determination is unwavering, and their impact continues to reverberate around the world.
Regarding IO, while there is currently no official U.S. government definition of information warfare, practitioners typically conceptualize it as a strategy for the use and management of information to pursue a competitive advantage, encompassing both offensive and defensive operations. At its core, IW involves the integrated employment of information-related capabilities to influence, disrupt, corrupt, or usurp the decision-making of adversaries and potential adversaries while protecting one’s own interests.
In the realm of IW, the link between strategic objectives and tactics is represented by information operations (IO). IO has evolved over time, initially viewed as a purely military activity with five pillars in DOD Joint Publication (JP) 3-13 and the IO Roadmap: computer network operations (CNO), psychological operations (PSYOP), electronic warfare (EW), operations security (OPSEC), and military deception (MILDEC). However, with the establishment of U.S. Cyber Command, CNO transformed into cyberspace operations, encompassing both offensive and defensive cyber activities.
To reflect a broader range of activities and existing Military Information Support Teams, PSYOP evolved into military information support operations (MISO). Despite administrative challenges following the name change, the term “PSYOP” remains in use in some contexts. The Secretary of Defense characterizes IO in JP 3-13 as a coordinated effort to employ information-related capabilities alongside other lines of operation, aiming to influence, disrupt, corrupt, or usurp the decision-making processes of adversaries while safeguarding one’s own interests. Strategic communication, public diplomacy, public and civil affairs, and cyberspace operations are some of the supporting capabilities of IO. These efforts may span various global domains, such as air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace, and may involve actions unrelated to cyberspace, such as pamphlet distribution, cultural exchanges, targeted communications, and foreign aid programs.
It is crucial to recognize that IO is not exclusive to Special Operations Forces (SOF) but is rather an integral part of the activities undertaken by various elements of the federal government. The information environment, within which IO operates, comprises three dimensions: the physical dimension, where information interacts with the physical world; the information dimension, where information is processed, stored, disseminated, displayed, and protected; and the cognitive dimension, where human decision-making takes place based on information perception. In the pursuit of IW strategies, various types of information can be utilized. Propaganda involves propagating an idea or narrative to influence, often through factual but potentially misleading information, and includes the communication of government intent, policies, and values through public affairs channels. Misinformation, on the other hand, refers to the spreading of unintentionally false information, often seen in the form of unfounded conspiracy theories or web hoaxes. Disinformation stands in contrast as intentionally false information, sometimes disseminated through planting false news stories in the media or tampering with private and classified communications.
In summary, information warfare is a multifaceted and evolving domain that relies on the strategic use of information to gain an advantage, encompassing both offensive and defensive actions. By understanding the various facets and types of information involved, the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum, under the leadership of Oleg Magaletsky, can further harness the power of information to promote peace, liberty, and self-determination for captive nations and regions within Russia.
As the forum looks forward to the 9th edition, I am optimistic that it will attract even more strategic partners who recognize the importance of investing in the future of a post-Russia world. Together, we can support Oleg Magaletsky and his team in their noble quest to liberate captive nations, build strong and independent states, and shape a better future for the entire region.
Through collaborative efforts and shared visions, we can forge a path towards a world where peace and self-determination reign supreme, empowering all nations to become masters on their own land, unburdened by the yoke of imperial oppression. Let us stand in solidarity with the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum and embrace the promise of a brighter future for all. Oleg Magaletsky’s vision and the dedication of the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum have left an indelible mark on the geopolitical landscape. As a seasoned executive, I wholeheartedly support their noble quest for freedom, peace, and self-determination. I am confident that the 9th forum and the ongoing efforts of Oleg and his team will attract more strategic partners who recognize the transformative potential of this initiative.
Together, we must stand in solidarity with the Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum and embrace the promise of a brighter future for all. Let us support Oleg Magaletsky in his tireless pursuit of liberating captive nations, building strong and independent states, and shaping a better world for generations to come. Through collaborative efforts and shared visions, we can pave the way towards a future where nations thrive as masters on their own land, unburdened by the yoke of imperial oppression. The time to act is now, and together, we can make history.
Report: Declaration About the Decolonization of Russia
Introduction:
The comprehensive declaration by representatives of indigenous peoples and colonial regions of the Russian Federation, highlighted the urgent need for the “Complete and General Decolonization of Russia.” This declaration is based on international norms and principles such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to self-determination as enshrined in the UN Charter, and other relevant United Nations declarations. The declaration seeks to address the systematic violations of human rights and the ongoing policy of internal terror and repression within the Russian Federation, while advocating for the sovereignty and independence of indigenous peoples and colonized regions.
- Grounds for Decolonization:
The declaration emphasizes the historical and contemporary injustices faced by indigenous peoples and colonial regions within Russia, including the deprivation of traditional lands, territories, and resources, as well as the forced assimilation and destruction of cultures, languages, and educational systems. It points out the denial of self-government and the systematic violation of the rights of indigenous peoples and colonial regions regarding hazardous materials storage on their territories. - The Impact of Wars and Imperial Policies:
The declaration highlights the detrimental impact of Russia’s imperial policies, including the initiation of wars that have led to the loss of lives and forced participation of indigenous peoples and colonial regions in conflicts against their will. The aggressive war against Ukraine, in particular, has resulted in international sanctions, threats of isolation, and potential civilizational collapse for Russia. - Peaceful Decolonization and Territorial Organization:
The declaration outlines a clear roadmap for the peaceful and legitimate process of Russia’s decolonization. It calls for the establishment of National Transitional Governments/Agencies and the reiteration of state sovereignty declarations by republics and regional dumas. The document announces the convening of an International Conference on Peaceful Decolonization and Territorial Organization to ensure a smooth process of decolonization, territorial demarcation, and the signing of cooperation agreements with neighboring countries. - Support and Recognition:
The declaration appeals to UN Member States to provide maximum assistance to the National Transitional Governments/Administrations and formally recognize the independence and sovereignty of various indigenous and colonized states within Russia. It calls for the preparation of Constitutions for the new republics and urges the active participation of leaders from different spheres of society in this process. - Peaceful Resistance and Democratic Transition:
The declaration encourages representatives of indigenous peoples and colonized regions to engage in peaceful, systematic resistance to the colonial regime. It calls for the establishment of national legions (Self-Defense Forces) to protect sovereignty and peace. Furthermore, it proposes the formation of a Joint Transitional Administration to coordinate activities for eliminating the colonial regime, facilitating democratic elections, and ensuring a smooth transfer of power to democratically elected authorities.
Conclusion:
The Declaration About the Decolonization of Russia presents a compelling case for the urgent need to dismantle the colonial regime and foster the sovereignty and independence of indigenous peoples and colonized regions. By invoking international norms and principles, the declaration calls upon citizens, governments, and the international community to support this noble cause for peace, security, democracy, and harmony among peoples. The Free Nations of Post-Russia Forum initiative, led by Oleg Magaletsky, stands in solidarity with the representatives behind this declaration and strives to be a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and progress in achieving the noble goal of decolonization in Russia. Through collaborative efforts and international support, the vision of a post-Russia world, where nations thrive as masters on their own land, can become a reality. For the sake of freedom and a better future, we must heed this call and work together to bring about meaningful change in Russia.
To learn more visit https://www.freenationsrf.org/ and if you want to support Oleg and his efforts, you can also post a note below and let us know.