An American Helps Build Russia's Trojan Horse

Decades ago, after receiving my bachelor’s degree in fine arts, I wrote a screenplay that centered on the cold war between the Soviet Union and the United States. My story featured Russian oligarchs plotting the demise of America through their own modern-day version of a Trojan Horse—a scheme they crafted in collusion with a wealthy American family.

After submitting the screenplay to Jane Fonda’s reader, I was kindly called into a meeting. Creatively speaking, the reader felt it was very intriguing but too far-fetched, even impossible, and though she agreed that’s what drama is all about, she didn’t think American theatergoers would buy it.

I understood her concern. After all, back then, our most feared threat was Russian nuclear missile silos pointing at the West and a cold war mentality that could trigger our mutual annihilation—not some incredulous stealth takeover by the enemy. But that was before the advent of artificial intelligence, deep fakes, the internet, and social media.

So, here we are.

Meet former deputy Palm Beach County sheriff, John Mark Dougan, who today is one of the Kremlin’s most valued superstar propagandists. Working exclusively now in Moscow, Dougan is funded by the Kremlin’s GRU, aka Russia’s military intelligence service, and directed by the Moscow Institute which was founded by Alexander Dugin, a far-right imperialist nationalist who is often called “Putin’s brain”—and who has called for a “geopolitical war with America…to weaken, demoralize, deceive, and, in the end, beat our opponent to the maximum.”

At his behest, Dougan creates dozens of fake news sites and uses an AI generator to create fake stories, images, and deep fake videos largely targeting the Harris/Walz campaign accusing them of outlandish criminal activities. Some of his creations have gone viral. For instance, remember the article about Zelensky using U.S. aid to buy two luxury yachts? Senior Republicans jumped on that news fake and used it as a cudgel to hopefully beat down any more spending on Ukraine. It should be no surprise that Dougan was awarded a presidential medal by Vladimir Putin in 2023 for “services to the Fatherland” and “carrying out special tasks.”

Today’s newsfeeds are bringing us a cornucopia of fake stories and images designed to further divide us, some so extreme they’ll set your hair on fire. Remaining vigilant to these malevolent attacks is difficult, especially if you hope the story is true. One dead giveaway is how sensational, outrageous, or even salacious the story headline is. Resisting the temptation to buy into it or, worse, spread such virulence will keep you from being a pawn or stooge in this ugly war.

You can read the full story of John Mark Dougan by clicking the link below.
https://techstory.in/american-ex-deputy-plays-key-role-in-russias-disinf...