The modern, notably western, world has long since been aware of Russia and their notoriety when it comes to leaking or sharing information, particularly that which is fake and posted online, but never has such been researched and detailed quite like it is through the pages of Nina Jankowicz’s How to Lose the Information War: Russia, Fake News, and the Future of Conflict.

The book, which is out now, details five Western governments’ responses to Russia’s actions on the matter – all responses to which, if anyone happened to be keeping track or was curious, failed.  Each Russian campaign featured is looked at in rather impressive detail, highlighting their many strengths, but also what could be referred to as weaknesses with Jankowicz showing how we can understand the reasons and motivations behind the country and its operatives undertaking the tasks, and suggesting ways which, should similar attacks occur in the future, as they are undoubtedly likely to, would allow governments to finally beat the Russians and stop their misdeeds.

Given the rise in “Fake News” stories over the last several years, and particularly given the recent economic and political turmoil which has hampered the United States, and, some might argue, weakened its place in the world considerably over the last four years, Jankowicz’s book takes the reader to the front-lines of the issue, offering an almost ‘inside’ look at how various countries including the Czech Republic, Estonia and Poland, have handled the influx of information designed for the most part to spread dissention among society and rattle governments – when it comes to the latter, Russia have succeeded several times, and they know it.

The book is very much a call for governments around the world – especially that of the US, and taking into account Trump’s interactions with the Russians over the last four years, to finally wake up and actually ACT on the matter. Ultimately what the book-reveals is something many of us are already only too aware of; that if things don’t change and tactics like those of the Russians aren’t stopped or intercepted, the future of democracy as we know it, along with the incalculable value and power of truth, risks being lost forever.

However what Jankowicz asks of government, she might also as well be asking of everyone. The truth is Russia have infiltrated our media, and our lives, for years, and we all as a society and a planet, can do our part to minimise the country’s impact. How? Be vigilant of what we read online; be wary of whose comments or articles we click and comment on – only together can countries around the world take back some semblance of control from Russia, the Kremlin and Putin, all of whom for far too long have been pulling the strings of their governmental puppets, sorry, counterparts.

The book isn’t for everyone, and won’t suit those looking for a more ‘kick back and put your feet up’ kind of read, but if you have any interest at all in the current and future state of online media/information etc., are a journalism student at college or university, or have any kind of presence in the media or on platforms online, you really should read it.