This conference given by intelligence analysts on influence operations is certainly a must see. Too often we live our lives completely unaware of the dangers that surround us. Yesterday’s fears of a communist takeover presented by the media, whether exaggerated or not, have left us with the impression that « the government » was taking care of these things and that all we had to do was to go on, ignorant and with a quiet state of mind. Well…things are not that simple. Security and intelligence matters concern every citizens. Every one of us must be aware of what is going on in order to defend the country in which we live, its culture, its language, its values. That’s the only way to prevent a real takeover by an alien regime, ideology or culture. This presentation focuses principally on influence operations conducted by the Soviet Union in the Western World but the same principles could apply to any ideology. Panellists give examples using their experience on the ground and the vast quantity of intelligence reports available.

I must admit, this kind of presentation is long overdue. While the study of fascism has been done quite extensively by people such as Mae Brussel and Dave Emory, we are still waiting for the study of communism. It has not been made scientifically, rationally, intellectually, besides the propaganda put out by Radio Liberty and Radio Free Europe, the way it has been on fascism. And I think it has to be. Totalitarian ideologies are the real threat to this world. In order to fight and defeat them, we must first understand them. That’s why I am glad that the Center for Security Policy has undertaken this series of talks. The next installment will present the case of Islamism as the main new ideology that conducts influence operations on our soil, to try to stir opinion in its favor to be able to vanquish and conquer us more easily. Two thumbs up for this new initiative!