[Air-L] New Book Published: LiveJournal and Russian Disinformation

[J.J. Sylvia IV]

Colleagues,

I’m pleased to share that my new book is now available: LiveJournal and Russian Disinformation: The Rise of Epistemic Sabotage (Bloomsbury).

This book traces LiveJournal’s shift from a major space for Russian opposition blogging into a testing ground for pro-Kremlin influence operations. It also introduces a taxonomy of “epistemic sabotage," strategies aimed at destabilizing knowledge systems so people struggle to discern what is true.

Overview:

• Carefully traces the evolution of LiveJournal as an early Russian platform “laboratory” for tactics later seen in wider international disinformation campaigns.

• Develops a framework (epistemic sabotage) that connects narrative control, audience manipulation, intimidation/silencing, and disinformation.

• Offers case-based material that can work well in courses on media studies, political communication, digital culture, and platform governance.

Academic book pricing is steep, so if the book might be useful for your research or teaching, please consider requesting it through your university library (and/or public library). 
Publisher page: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/livejournal-and-russian-disinformation-9781666954555/

ISBN: 9781666954555.

I’m also happy to give a talk, join a speaker series, or visit a class/workshop (in-person when feasible or remotely) on disinformation, platform politics/affordances, and the “epistemic sabotage” framework developed in the book.

Apologies for crossposting!

Thank you,

J.J.

--
J.J. Sylvia IV, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
Associate Professor, Communications Media
Coordinator, Digital Media Innovation major ( https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/programs/digital-media-innovation-babs )
Fitchburg State University
Office: Conlon Hall 335
http://www.jjsylvia.com

(978) 665-3418

Book Launch 12/11: LiveJournal and Russian Disinformation ( https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/livejournal-and-russian-disinformation-9781666954555/ )

Member of The Network of Alternative Social Media Researchers ( https://www.socialmediaalternatives.org )