Active Measures The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare (2020)

In Active Measures, Thomas Rid explores the history and evolution of disinformation, revealing how intelligence agencies have long used deception to manipulate public perception and weaken democracies. From Cold War propaganda to modern cyber warfare, Rid uncovers shocking intelligence operations, including KGB misinformation campaigns, CIA-backed media ventures, and the rise of digital disinformation tactics. Drawing from extensive research and insider interviews, he exposes how disinformation has shaped global events, culminating in the 2016 U.S. election and the role of Russian interference. Active Measures serves as both a historical deep dive and a warning about the future of engineered deception, offering insights on how to recognize and combat disinformation in an increasingly polarized world.