The Blockchain Revolution by Andrew Updegrove

Author:Andrew Updegrove [Updegrove, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781733714402
Publisher: Starboard Rock Press
Published: 2019-02-20T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 24

Abracadabra

“Okay,” President Yazzi said. “Enough on that one. What’s next?” The National Security Council meeting was halfway through its agenda.

“That would be Jim Wakeman, Mr. President,” Carson Bekin said, referring to the national security adviser, “With this week’s summary of Russian actions.”

“Right. Jim, what do you have for us?”

“More of the same, I’m afraid, Mr. President. Broadly speaking, they can be summarized as working aggressively to undermine NATO and the European Union and to further destabilize the Near East with the aim of keeping oil prices high. Here are the details.

“First, the Russians have added another category of disinformation to their campaign to undermine popular support for NATO throughout Europe. Now they’re planting fake news on social media claiming NATO troops, usually Americans, are engaging in violent behavior in host countries, such as assault and rape. We’ve had tens of thousands of troops stationed in Europe since the end of World War II, so, unfortunately, such acts have occasionally happened in the past. That inclines some people to take the fake stories at face value. The Russians are pushing similar propaganda in Ukraine to discourage it from considering closer ties with, or joining, NATO.

“The Kremlin is also stepping up its funding of reactionary, populist candidates everywhere in Europe. Covertly, of course. They’ve been particularly generous to those advocating more autocratic, anti-democratic governments and those calling for countries to leave the European Union. Most recently, we’re getting reports Russian agents are attempting to revive and arm formerly violent movements, like the Basque separatists.

“In the Near East, the Russians are using a combination of approaches to further inflame relations between the local governments and the Kurds in Turkey, Iraq and Syria. For example, they’re spreading fake accounts of atrocities by both sides. Again, though false, it’s hard to squelch such stories, because there is a history of real crimes. Lots of people would like to believe what they’re being told, whether it’s true or not.

“In summary, for the last six months we’ve seen a consistent increase in Russian interference throughout Europe and the Near East.”

“Hugh,” Yazzi said, turning to the secretary of state. “Is there anything new on the diplomatic front? Any back-channel indications of a change in Russia’s intentions?”

“Nothing, Mr. President. It appears the Russian government is largely focused on maintaining voter support through next year’s presidential and State Duma elections. The worse the Russian economy gets, the more President Denikin relies on rallying public sentiment against NATO in general and the United States in particular. And the harder we push him, the harder he pushes back.”

“How about after the elections? Are you getting any indications he might discuss a thaw after that?” Yazzi asked.

“None, Mr. President,” said Calhoun. “And frankly, I’m not surprised. The hotter the Kremlin rhetoric gets, the less possible it becomes for Denikin to do an about-face.”

Yazzi turned to the secretary of energy. “Howard, how about the oil companies? Are they still solid?”

Blaine frowned, “Not as solid as we’d like. The NASLA attack on the

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