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Russia Today
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Soft power, hard cash: How the UK secretly buys influencers
There is something profoundly grotesque about a government that funds 'freedom campaigns' through secret payments to social media stars, complete with non-disclosure agreements forbidding them to reveal who's really pulling the strings. Yet that's precisely what Britain's Foreign Office has been caught doing. A recent investigation by Declassified UK revealed that the UK government covertly paid dozens of foreign YouTube influencers to promote messages aligned with British foreign policy – under the familiar, pious banners of 'democracy support' and 'combating disinformation.' Of course, those slogans sound wholesome enough. Who wouldn't be in favour of democracy or against lies online? But this framing is the point: it launders raw geopolitical interests into the comforting language of values. In reality, this is simply propaganda. Slick, decentralised, modernised – but propaganda nonetheless. This covert campaign didn't happen in a vacuum. It's merely the latest incarnation of Britain's longstanding approach to managing inconvenient narratives abroad. During the Cold War, the UK ran the notorious Information Research Department (IRD) from the bowels of the Foreign Office, quietly subsidising global news wires, encouraging friendly academics, even feeding scripts to George Orwell himself. Back then, it was about containing Soviet influence. Today, the rhetorical targets have shifted – 'Russian disinformation,' 'violent extremism,' 'authoritarian propaganda' – but the machinery is strikingly similar. Only now, it's all camouflaged beneath glossy behavioural science reports and 'evidence-based interventions.' Enter Zinc Network and a clutch of similar contractors. These are the new psy-ops specialists, rebranded for the digital age. Zinc, in particular, has become a darling of the UK Foreign Office, winning multi-million-pound tenders to craft campaigns in Russia's near abroad, the Balkans, Myanmar and beyond. Their operational blueprint is remarkably consistent: conduct meticulous audience research to understand local grievances, find or build trusted social media voices, funnel them resources and content, and ensure they sign binding agreements not to disclose their British backers. A few years ago, leaked FCDO documents exposed exactly this approach in the Baltics. There, the British government paid for contractors to develop Russian-language media platforms that would counter Moscow's narratives – all under the pretext of strengthening independent journalism. They weren't setting up local BBC World Service equivalents, proudly branded and transparent. They were building subtle, local-looking channels designed to mask their sponsorship. The goal was not to encourage robust pluralistic debate, but to ensure the debate didn't wander into critiques of NATO or London's chosen regional allies. This is the moral sleight-of-hand at the core of such projects: democracy is not the intrinsic end, it's the vehicle for achieving Western policy objectives. When the UK says it's 'building resilience against disinformation,' it means reinforcing narratives that advance British strategic interests, whether that's undermining Moscow, insulating Kiev, or keeping critical questions off the table in Tbilisi. Meanwhile, any rival framing is instantly demonised as dangerous foreign meddling – because only some meddling counts, apparently. It is deeply revealing that the YouTubers enlisted by the Foreign Office were compelled to sign NDAs preventing them from disclosing the ultimate source of their funding. If this were truly about open civic engagement, wouldn't the UK proudly brand these campaigns? Wouldn't London stand behind the principles it professes to teach? Instead, it resorts to precisely the covert playbook it decries when wielded by adversaries. In truth, 'disinformation' has become an incredibly convenient term for Western governments. It carries an aura of technical objectivity — as if there's a universal ledger of truth to consult, rather than a constantly contested arena of competing narratives and interests. Once something is labelled disinformation, it can be suppressed, countered, or ridiculed with minimal scrutiny. It is the modern equivalent of calling ideas subversive or communist in the 1950s. Likewise, 'freedom' in these projects means nothing more than the freedom to align with Britain's worldview. This is a freedom to be curated, not genuinely chosen. And so local influencers are groomed to shape perceptions, not to foster independent judgment. The fact that these influencers look indigenous to their societies is the whole point – it's what gives the campaigns a deceptive organic legitimacy. This is why Zinc's approach hinges on meticulous audience segmentation and iterative testing to find precisely which messages will most effectively shift attitudes. The aim is to secure agreement without debate, to achieve consent without the messy business of authentic local deliberation. This should worry us. When liberal democracies resort to covert influence, they hollow out their own moral authority. They also undermine public trust at home and abroad. If London can so easily rationalise deception in Tallinn or Tashkent, why not someday in Manchester or Birmingham? Already, parts of the behavioural 'nudge' industry that grew out of these foreign adventures have found eager domestic clients in public health and law enforcement. The biggest casualty in all of this is genuine democratic discourse – the thing that such operations claim to protect. Because what these programmes actually protect is a carefully policed marketplace of ideas, where uncomfortable questions are outflanked by well-funded, astroturfed consensus. And so long as Britain continues to cloak its strategic propaganda efforts in the soft language of freedom and resilience, citizens everywhere will remain less informed, less empowered, and more easily manipulated. If that's what modern democracy promotion looks like, maybe we should be honest and call it what it is: camouflage propaganda, draped in the rhetoric of liberty, but designed to ensure populations think exactly what Whitehall wants them to think.
L'Équipe
08-07-2025
- Sport
- L'Équipe
Cameron Norrie - Carlos Alcaraz, Grand Chelem, Wimbledon, Quarts de finale, Mardi 08 juillet 2025
Wimbledon, Grand Chelem, Quarts de finale C. Norrie C. Alcaraz (2) 2 3 6 4 Grand Chelem, 08 juil. 2025
Arab Times
02-07-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti scholar highlights courage of Gulf pearl divers in a unique historical study
SHARJAH, UAE, July 2: Kuwaiti writer and researcher Talal Saad Al-Rumaidhi presented a paper on the traditional pearl diving industry in the Arabian Gulf at the Sharjah Heritage Conference on Wednesday. His research, titled 'Pearl Diving in the Gulf Through French Eyes: Humor in the Writings of Albert Londres,' explored early 20th-century French journalistic perspectives on this historic Gulf profession. Al-Rumaidhi's presentation focused on the work of Albert Londres, a renowned French journalist who visited the GCC region in 1930. Londres provided a rare and vivid account of the pearl diving trade, blending humor and humanity to depict the divers' harsh realities, resilient spirits, and the austere lifestyle they led. In an interview with KUNA, Al-Rumaidhi highlighted how Londres detailed the intricacies of diving vessels, voyage rituals, and maritime gatherings. The journalist captured the expressions and instinctive endurance of Gulf communities as they confronted daily challenges at sea. Londres was particularly struck by the divers' toughness and ability to face the dangers of the sea with primitive tools and under difficult conditions. Using witty and descriptive language, he famously described a captain who would never stop working and referred to the divers as 'men who do not go to hell,' symbolizing their courage and fearlessness. The French journalist also expressed a profound connection to the Gulf people and their environment, once stating, 'When I went down into the sea, I found myself becoming Arab.' Concluding his paper, Al-Rumaidhi emphasized the value of examining Gulf heritage through non-Arabic sources, which offers fresh ways to engage younger generations. He called for more comparative research combining Western narratives and local accounts to provide a fuller understanding of the GCC's maritime history. The Sharjah Heritage Conference, which runs through Thursday, is an annual gathering of leading scholars and researchers from across the Arab world. The event serves as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge on intangible heritage and the history of traditional professions, with this year's edition featuring extensive participation from GCC countries and experts in maritime heritage.
Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Liberté, Égalité, Technologie! ‘Unloved' Revolut wooed by French
Qu'est-ce qui se passe? You may well choke over your morning coffee. Revolut, one of Britain's hottest companies, born and nurtured in London, appears to have put two fingers up to its home town. At the Choose France summit in Versailles, the fintech 'chose' France, promising to invest €1 billion in our ancient rival over the next few years and to base its western European headquarters there. Yes, it still has a Canary Wharf global HQ, but the move is perceived as yet another sign of how France is snapping at Britain's heels as the home for tech in Europe. Led by quintessentially tech-bro politician President Macron, the Élysée is pouring billions into making France a digital superpower. From AI labs in Paris to
Globe and Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Denis Jesus Palma Abanto Talks about Smart Investment Ideas for Building Wealth
Denis Jesus Palma Abanto is an entrepreneur, software engineer, and angel investor known for his significant contributions to the tech and investment sectors. He completed his education from ESAN and London school of Business. Denis Jesus Palma Abanto is an entrepreneur, software engineer, and angel investor known for his significant contributions to the tech and investment sectors. He completed his education from ESAN and London school of Business. He has worked with multiple companies like Telefonica, Trilogy, Solana Labs, Pixel Labs and now serving as a Chief Officer Executive at Belviera Inmobiliaria. Denis built all of Solana's infrastructure from scratch during his tenure in early 2021. Denis has interest and expertise in multiple areas from blockchain infrastructure, security solutions, site reliability, Solana ecosystem to Investment. Investing is one of the most effective ways to build wealth, secure your financial future, and achieve long-term financial goals. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, staying updated on smart investment ideas can help you make informed decisions and optimize returns. Now, with global economic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving market trends, it's important to adopt a balanced and diversified investment approach. Denis Jesus Palma Abanto explores a range of investment ideas across asset classes and strategies to help you grow your wealth. 1. Stock Market Investments The stock market remains one of the most popular and potentially lucrative investment options. Investors can choose from individual stocks, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) depending on their risk tolerance and investment goals. a. Growth Stocks Growth stocks represent companies with above-average revenue and earnings growth. Sectors like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and cloud computing are poised for expansion. Companies like Nvidia, Tesla, or lesser-known AI startups could offer significant upside for long-term investors. b. Dividend Stocks Dividend-paying stocks provide regular income and are often more stable. Blue-chip companies like Johnson & Johnson or Coca-Cola offer consistent dividends, making them ideal for conservative investors or retirees looking for passive income. c. ETFs and Index Funds For diversification with lower risk, ETFs and index funds are excellent choices. Funds like the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) or Nasdaq-100 ETF (QQQ) give investors exposure to a broad range of top-performing companies, making them suitable for hands-off, long-term strategies. 2. Real Estate Real estate continues to be a reliable investment, offering both capital appreciation and rental income. With rising urbanization and changing housing needs, several options are gaining popularity: a. Residential Rental Properties Owning rental homes or apartments can generate steady cash flow, especially in high-demand areas. Consider cities with growing populations, strong job markets, and a shortage of affordable housing. b. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) REITs allow you to invest in real estate without owning physical property. Publicly traded REITs offer liquidity and regular dividends. REITs focused on logistics, data centers, and healthcare facilities are particularly promising. 3. Green and Sustainable Investments As climate change awareness grows, sustainable investing is gaining traction. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing focuses on companies with strong ethical practices. a. Clean Energy Stocks Companies involved in solar, wind, and hydrogen energy are set to benefit from global green initiatives. Consider stocks like First Solar or ETFs like iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN). b. ESG Funds Many mutual funds and ETFs now screen investments based on ESG criteria. These funds are ideal for investors looking to make a positive impact while generating returns. 4. Precious Metals and Commodities Precious metals like gold and silver are traditional safe-haven assets. They tend to perform well during times of economic uncertainty or market volatility. Investors can buy physical bullion, ETFs like SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), or invest in mining stocks. Commodities like oil, natural gas, and agricultural products can also be part of a diversified portfolio, especially as global supply chains shift and demand fluctuates. 5. Fixed Income and Bonds Bonds offer stability and predictable income, making them ideal for conservative investors or those nearing retirement. a. Treasury Bonds U.S. Treasury bonds are backed by the federal government and offer low risk. As interest rates stabilize, long-term bonds could become attractive again. b. Corporate Bonds Corporate bonds from creditworthy companies provide higher yields than government bonds. However, investors should assess credit risk and duration carefully. 6. Alternative Investments Alternative assets like hedge funds, private equity, art, collectibles, and even farmland are gaining popularity among high-net-worth individuals. These can provide uncorrelated returns and act as a hedge against traditional market risks, but they often require higher capital and longer investment horizons. Successful investing requires a blend of traditional wisdom and modern innovation. The key is to align your investment choices with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Diversification—spreading your investments across various asset classes—is the cornerstone of a resilient portfolio. Whether you're exploring stocks, real estate, or sustainable options, a well-researched and disciplined approach can help you navigate market uncertainties and build lasting wealth. Denis Jesus Palma Abanto suggests considering consulting with a financial advisor before making significant investment decisions. Markets evolve, but with the right strategies, your investments can grow with them. Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
