Abstract: This project, currently in its initial stages, aims to map and analyze the landscape of Russian war bloggers who shape public perceptions of the brutal war initiated by Russia in Ukraine. By focusing on Telegram—a central platform for wartime communication—the research seeks to identify the diverse actors engaged in war blogging, such as volunteers, nationalists, poets, and clergy. The Kremlin’s recognition of war bloggers in a June 2023 meeting with President Putin highlighted their strategic role in Russia’s information efforts, where Putin emphasized their work as a “crucial battlefront.” This support extends to the recent establishment of the "School of War Correspondents" (Школа военкора), offering training to journalists, bloggers, and other media professionals in military journalism and high-risk reporting, with opportunities for internships in Donbas. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of war bloggers equipped to reinforce state narratives. However, the landscape remains complex, as illustrated by recent detentions of prominent bloggers like Yegor Guzenko and Igor Girkin, who, despite pro-war positions, have criticized Kremlin policies. By examining how these bloggers frame their narratives—appealing to emotions, justifying actions, and fostering group identity—this research sheds light on the strategic use of digital platforms in modern propaganda, crucial for understanding contemporary information warfare and its implications for statecraft and strategic communication.

Bio: Rundin has completed her PhD in Business Administration at the Stockholm School of Economics in 2024. Her research interests are situated at the confluence of marketing communication and sociohistorical propaganda analysis, with a specific focus on unraveling the complexities of propaganda in the digital era through social media platforms. Rundin’s postdoctoral research seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the changing dynamics of the propaganda techniques, originally developed during the Cold War era and now enhanced by the unpredictable power of social media development.

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