Thread by @Mylovanov

Today the CIA has launched a telegram channel with a recruitment video for Russians. This video is fantastic.

The video is not propaganda. Instead, it uses a set of recruitment techniques that nudge people. It provides instructions how to get in touch safely. 1/

I suspect that some of these techniques and arguments could be useful in your debates with Russians on social media.

But first, here is the text of the video:

Is this the life I dreamed of? The path that I chose for myself? 2/

Why are the lives of some people valued more than the lives of others? And who decides this? Being a hero means to stand firm. But to stand firm doesn't mean to endure in vain. 3/

The best way to prevent a prisoner from escaping is to make sure they never realize they're in prison. We easily fall for lies, but we do know what our reality is - the reality in which we live and the reality we talk about in whispers. 4/

I don't believe in revolution. True life occurs where unnoticed changes take place in the souls of people - unnoticed for my country, for me. I will live a true life. This is my Russia, it will always be my Russia. 5/

I stand firm, my family stands firm. We will live decently, thanks to my actions.

The video, in my view, is very subtle, well done, and will appeal to many Russians who are wavering. 6/

It attempts to identify with the individual's struggles: The text starts by questioning life choices and the disparity in the value of lives. This can help establish common ground with individuals who are dissatisfied or questioning their own life choices or societal values. 7/

It challenges the status quo: The text subtly questions the current state of affairs, such as who decides the value of a life, indicating that there might be an inherent problem in the system. 8/

It talks about empowerment: The text speaks about heroism and endurance, suggesting that the individual has the power to endure and resist, which can be an empowering message for potential recruits. 9/

It promotes Freedom: The text uses the metaphor of imprisonment and the idea that the best way to keep someone captive is to ensure they don't know they're imprisoned. It is a call to awareness and self-realization, encouraging potential recruits to 'break free'. 10/

Skepticism towards Collective Action: By expressing skepticism towards revolution, the text seems to steer the reader away from collective political action and towards individual change. 11/

Patriotism: The text expresses love for country, Russia, indicating that working with the CIA is not about betraying one's country, but about working towards a better, more truthful life. 12/

Basically, the text identifies with the pains of the person, challenges the status quo, suggest subtly and from multiple ways that change is possible, explains that it is ok to deviate from the norm, and implies that a working with the agency is an act of patriotism 13/13