The US Treasury Department has recently imposed heavy sanctions on a Russian think tank named the “Center for Geopolitical Expertise” (CGE). This move is part of a broader effort by the United States to target Russian and Iranian entities that are accused of causing harm to US democracy. The Treasury claims that CGE, which was founded by the well-known Russian philosopher Aleksandr Dugin, played a role in a disinformation campaign during the 2016 US presidential election, which saw Donald Trump win the presidency.
What is the Center for Geopolitical Expertise?
The Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE) is a Russian think tank founded by Aleksandr Dugin, a controversial figure in Russia’s political scene. Dugin has earned the nickname “Putin’s brain” in the West due to his influence on Russia’s foreign policy. He is known for his strong anti-Western views and has supported Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In fact, Dugin’s political beliefs have led him to advocate for the independence of certain regions in Ukraine, which has caused further tensions between Russia and the West.
The CGE, under Dugin’s leadership, is thought to have been involved in spreading propaganda and disinformation to influence political events beyond Russia’s borders. This includes a controversial role in the US 2016 election. The US Treasury Department claims that CGE worked with Russian military intelligence (GRU) to interfere in the election by spreading fake news and false information. However, the specific impact these actions had on the election results remains unclear.
The Disinformation Campaign
According to the US Treasury, CGE was directly involved in creating and spreading false information to stir division in American politics. The think tank is accused of orchestrating a large-scale disinformation campaign that targeted the US presidential election. One of the tactics used by CGE was the creation of deepfake videos—videos that appear real but are actually manipulated to show fake scenarios or statements. In this case, the Treasury claims that one such video included false accusations about a 2024 vice-presidential candidate, aimed at causing confusion and dividing the American public.
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Additionally, CGE allegedly managed over 100 websites to spread this disinformation, using advanced artificial intelligence systems to keep these websites active and to control the flow of information. The US Treasury did not offer specific examples showing how these actions influenced the election results, but it believes that the overall purpose of the campaign was to manipulate public opinion and disrupt the democratic process.
Targeting Valery Korovin and Aleksandr Dugin
The US sanctions also target CGE’s director, Valery Korovin. The Treasury Department accuses Korovin of overseeing the disinformation campaign alongside Dugin. As a result, both Korovin and CGE are now on the US sanctions list. This means that they face restrictions, such as being cut off from accessing the US financial system, making it harder for them to do business internationally.
Aleksandr Dugin himself has been on the US sanctions list since 2015. He was penalized for his support of separatist movements in Ukraine, which contributed to the ongoing conflict in the region. Dugin’s views and actions have made him a target for many Western nations, especially after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its continued involvement in Ukraine.
The recent sanctions against CGE and its leadership reflect the ongoing tensions between the US and Russia. Since the crisis in Crimea and the conflict in Ukraine, the US has been taking action to hold Russian individuals and organizations accountable for activities seen as harmful to American interests, such as interfering in elections or spreading disinformation.
The US Treasury’s latest move against Dugin’s think tank highlights the continued efforts by the United States to combat foreign interference in its democracy. By targeting individuals and organizations involved in disinformation campaigns, the US hopes to prevent such actions from continuing in future elections.
