Could Russia pull off a false flag attack?

+ what and why is the IOC? US Edition - Today's top story: What are false flag attacks – and could Russia make one work in the information age? [View in browser]( US Edition | 18 February 2022 [The Conversation]( Headlines over the past few weeks have raised the specter of Russia carrying out a false flag attack to justify invading Ukraine. So what is a false flag attack, why might the Russians try one, and if they did, what are their chances of succeeding? False flag attacks involve operatives from a would-be aggressor staging an assault on their own side and pinning the blame on the other side to justify further action. It’s the international equivalent of framing someone for a crime. The Nazis used the tactic to justify invading Poland at the onset of World War II. But false flag attacks are uncommon these days. University of Washington’s Scott Radnitz explains how widespread internet access, commercial satellite imagery, near ubiquitous smartphone cameras and a large dose of popular cynicism about governments [have changed the equation]( for any nation tempted to try to deceive the world. Also today: - [Changing climate could make skiing even more exclusive]( - [What is insider trading and why is it an issue in Congress?]( - [Podcast: African coups and the fight against extremists]( Eric Smalley Science + Technology Editor The Russian and Ukrainian governments both blamed forces aligned with the other for mortar fire in eastern Ukraine and for using the accusations as justification for increased aggression. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda [What are false flag attacks – and could Russia make one work in the information age?]( Scott Radnitz, University of Washington Attacking your own side and blaming your foe has a long history and a firm grip on the popular imagination. 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Listen to The Conversation Weekly podcast. From our international editions - [Prince Andrew: a legal expert explains the settlement with Virginia Giuffre]( - [Black and Indigenous protesters are treated differently than the ‘convoy’ because of Canada’s ongoing racism]( - [Africa’s relations with the EU: a reset is possible if Europe changes its attitude]( The Conversation Quiz 🧠When was "Yokohama, California," the first book of fiction to be published by a Japanese American, published? - A. 1941 - B. 1949 - C. 1975 - D. 1978 [Click here for the answer.]( - More from The Conversation US - Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our weekly emails: [Politics Weekly]( • [Science Editors' Picks]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Weekly Highlights]( - - About The Conversation: We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. 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