Pekka Kallioniemi Profile picture
Mar 29, 2023 19 tweets 11 min read Read on X
In today's #vatniksoup I'll introduce a Norwegian political scientist and pro-Russian propagandist, Glenn Diesen (@Glenn_Diesen). He is best-known for his promotion of pro-Russian propaganda on RT and for his articles on conspiratorial, "anti-globalist" blog Steigan.

1/18
Glenn is widely known as a regular commentator on RT, and Swedish journalist and writer Patrik Oksanen (@patrikoksanen) has referred to him as being "part of the Russian propaganda machinery".

2/18
A Norwegian human rights activist, Aage Borchgrevink (@AageB) has said that Diesen plays "an important role in RT as the Western expert", providing him legitimacy as a Kremlin mouthpiece.

3/18
Borchgrevink also described Diesen's writings as "unreliable" and their factual basis "doubtful", making them a perfect fit for both RT and Sputnik. He's also member of the Moscow-based think tank, The Valdai Discussion Club.

4/18
Glenn's actively trying to control the narrative on his own Wikipedia page,despite his obvious conflict of interest.With his account,Gead1979,he's been trying add claims such as being "famous for developing a geoeconomic concept", but other editors have called out on his BS.
5/18
Diesen's talking points revolve around "multipolarity" of the world, heavily focusing on anti-US and anti-NATO rhetoric. By his view, the US is heading into economic catastrophe whereas its opponents, especially Russia and China, are thriving.

6/18
In his first article for Steigan, he discussed how the information war waged by the West against Russia threatens academic freedom, warning that "we should be very critical of how the information war affects both Russian and Western media coverage", and continuing...
7/18
...that "it is not the job of academics or journalists to polarize the policing as pro- or anti-Russia". Yet, this is exactly what he's doing as a Russian propagandist in his articles and on his podcast.

8/18
Glenn Diesen has a small YouTube/Rumble channel where he does regular interviews with people who share his views. For example in Feb 2023, he invited the old man Chomsky to talk about propaganda in the "Ukrainian Proxy War".

9/18
Other people he's interviewed are very much in the "vatnik" category, including Douglas Macgregor, Karin Kneissl and Scott Ritter. As you can already guess, these talks contain little to no critical views on Russia's actions and politics.

10/18
When talking about Ukraine, Glenn often refers to it as a "divided" country, referring to the Ukrainian presidential election map from 2010. I can post maps too: Here's the Ukrainian Independence Referendum from 1991. Also, check this other map on ethnicities inside Russia.
11/18
Glenn's naturally talked about the Revolution of Dignity being a "NATO-backed coup d'etat" that was "not supported by the majority of Ukrainians". "Meddling" of Victoria Nuland, involvement of far-right groups, it's all there.

12/18
I guess Mr. Diesen hasn't heard about Russia's interference in EVERY Ukrainian election or about Yanukovych's plans of becoming the new Lukashenko in Ukraine:


13/18
In 2020, Diesen collaborated with KGB agent Arne Treholt to write an op-ed for the Norway's largest printed newspaper, Aftenpost. Treholt was arrested for espionage on behalf of the USSR in 1984, and was convicted to 20 years in prison.

14/18
Following Treholt's arrest, he was described as "the greatest traitor to Norway since Quisling", and his espionage has been seen as the most serious spy case in Norway's modern history.

15/18
In Jun 2022, Glenn published a book called Russophobia: Propaganda in International Politics. "Russophobia" is a Kremlin-made and spread term to deflect any criticism towards the Russian hostilities and meddling, ...

16/18
...and it was highly popular during the Orange Revolution of 2004 and after the Russian invasion of Feb 2022. The book can now be bought at "reduced price" for only 100 USD, in case you're interested.

17/18
So,it all there: Ukrainian nazis,proxy war, Russian "legitimate interests and security needs","multipolar world", Russophobia,sanctions hurting the West.. Glenn wants to pose as a "neutral commentator" on the war,but it's very clear that he's just another Kremlin mouthpiece.18/18

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More from @P_Kallioniemi

Apr 1
In today’s Vatnik Soup, I’ll introduce Russian propagandist Sergei Tsaulin. He’s best-known for spreading pro-Kremlin narratives in Estonia, fleeing to Russia after breaking several laws in Estonia, and almost getting blown up by a bomb in St. Petersburg.

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For years, Tsaulin was known for organizing marches and events glorifying the Soviet Union. Under the excuse of “remembering history,” these events were nothing more than Kremlin propaganda, wrapped in a red flag with a hammer and sickle.

2/17 Image
One of his most infamous events was the “Immortal Regiment” march, held every 9th of May, where people carried portraits of Soviet soldiers. These marches are used by Russia to push the idea that the Baltics owe their existence to the Soviets.

3/17 Image
Read 18 tweets
Mar 28
In today’s Vatnik Soup, I’ll introduce a podcaster and conspiracy theorist, Joe Rogan (@joerogan). He’s best-known for launching the biggest podcast in the world, promoting various conspiracy theories, his support for Donald Trump and his anti-Ukraine rhetoric.

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Joe Rogan started as a stand-up comedian in the 1980s, found fame on NewsRadio, and became a household name with Fear Factor. But his biggest impact came in 2009 when he launched The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), one of the first major podcasts.

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JRE started as casual but deep conversations, often covering countercultural topics like psychedelics, MMA & hunting. Joe’s podcasting style is largely non-confrontational, often allowing his guests to share their views without significant pushback or critical questioning.

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Read 23 tweets
Mar 27
In today’s Vatnik Soup, I’ll introduce KOOS party leader and Estonian crypto businessman Oleg Ivanov. He’s best known for running shady businesses, spreading Russian false narratives in Estonia, and participating in the pro-Kremlin political party KOOS.

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As a talented youngster, Oleg learned Estonian almost flawlessly, was a promising karate athlete, and landed a job at a law firm at just 20. He caught the eye of Estonian fuel entrepreneur Endel Siff, who quickly took him under his wing.

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Oleg’s father, Vladimir Ivanov, was a longtime politician from the Russian-funded United People’s Party of Estonia. His career at the town hall ended abruptly when he was caught drunk at work. After that, he went into business with his son, Oleg.

3/18 Image
Read 19 tweets
Mar 26
In today’s Vatnik Soup, I’ll talk about the takeover of social media by illiberal, populist influencers. For the last ten years, social media has been dominated by these voices and it is one of the main reasons for the political rise of people like Trump and Orban.

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“Illiberal populists” like Trump reject democratic norms while claiming to speak for “the people.” They centralize power, attack institutions, and push nationalism over rights. Elections exist, but checks & balances erode. This is democracy in name, autocracy in action.

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The media landscape has changed drastically over the past two decades. The Internet and social media have changed how we interact online & how we consume media,but it has also become our main source of news. In many ways,social media companies have control over information.

3/25 Image
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Read 26 tweets
Mar 25
Ladies and gents, it's time for some "Houthi PC small group" memes!

I'll start with my favorites, post yours below 👊🇺🇸🔥 Image
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Read 7 tweets
Mar 24
In today’s Vatnik Soup, I’ll introduce Lithuanian far-right politician and Seimas member Remigijus Žemaitaitis. He’s best known for his extremist political views and for falling for a scam that convinced him he was flying to New York to meet Elon Musk.

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Like many vatniks before him, Remigijus worked as a lawyer before entering the world of politics. Once just another politician, he gradually embraced far-right nationalism and populism, following a trend seen across Europe over the past 15 years.

2/17 Image
Instead of real policies, he tapped into fear, resentment, and anger, turning 4chan talking points into a populist political strategy. His speeches became more extreme, targeting minorities, Western institutions, and Lithuania’s support for Ukraine.

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Read 18 tweets

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