Peter Pomerantsev

Peter Pomerantsev is a British journalist, author, and TV producer born in Kyiv in 1977, who has become a leading authority on disinformation and propaganda. Currently serving as a Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics' Institute of Global Affairs, he co-directs the Arena program and holds the position of associate editor at Coda Media. His most influential works include "Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible" (2014) and "This Is Not Propaganda" (2019), both examining Russian disinformation tactics and their global impact. His latest book, "How to Win an Information War: The Propagandist Who Outwitted Hitler" (2024), focuses on British World War II propagandist Sefton Delmer. Pomerantsev's background deeply influences his work, having moved from Soviet Ukraine to the West as a child after his father, Igor Pomerantsev, faced KGB persecution for distributing anti-Soviet literature. His mother, Liana Pomerantsev, is an acclaimed documentary producer whose works have earned prestigious awards including a BAFTA and the Grierson Award. Through his writing and academic work, Pomerantsev continues to analyze the evolution of modern propaganda, disinformation campaigns, and their effects on contemporary politics and society. His expertise has made him a significant voice in understanding the role of information warfare in the 21st century.

Readers appreciate Pomerantsev's firsthand insights into Russian media manipulation and disinformation tactics. His books "Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible" and "This Is Not Propaganda" draw praise for clear explanations of complex propaganda techniques. Readers highlight his storytelling ability and use of personal narratives to illustrate broader points about information warfare. Many note his detailed knowledge of Russian television and politics. Common criticisms include: - Writing style can be scattered and hard to follow - Some anecdotes feel sensationalized - Later chapters lose focus compared to strong openings - Too much personal commentary mixed with reporting Ratings: Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible - Goodreads: 3.9/5 (6,800+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.4/5 (580+ ratings) This Is Not Propaganda - Goodreads: 4.0/5 (3,200+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.4/5 (270+ ratings) Most reviews emphasize the books' relevance to current events and disinformation tactics, while noting the sometimes uneven narrative structure.

Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible (2014) A first-hand account of Russia's post-Soviet media landscape, drawing from the author's decade working as a television producer in Moscow and examining how reality television and media manipulation shaped contemporary Russian society.

This Is Not Propaganda (2019) An investigation into global disinformation tactics, exploring how modern propaganda operates across different countries and contexts while interweaving the story of the author's family's experiences with Soviet censorship.

How to Win an Information War: The Propagandist Who Outwitted Hitler (2024) A detailed examination of British propagandist Sefton Delmer's work during World War II, documenting his innovative methods in psychological warfare against Nazi Germany.

Timothy Snyder combines historical analysis with contemporary politics, focusing on Eastern Europe and Russia's influence on global democracy. His works like "The Road to Unfreedom" and "On Tyranny" examine how disinformation shapes political systems.

Catherine Belton investigates the rise of Putin's Russia through deep reporting on its power structures and oligarchic systems. Her book "Putin's People" reveals the KGB networks and financial mechanisms that built modern Russia.

Ben Macintyre writes about espionage and information warfare with a focus on real historical events and characters. His works explore the intersection of propaganda, intelligence operations, and political influence during key moments in 20th century history.

Anne Applebaum analyzes the transformation of Eastern European societies and the rise of modern authoritarianism. Her work connects historical events to contemporary political developments, particularly focusing on how propaganda shapes public opinion.

Masha Gessen writes about Russian politics and society through personal experience and investigative journalism. Their books examine how power operates in authoritarian systems and how truth becomes contested in modern political discourse.