About the Project
About the Project
Mission
The VIRUS project examines how illiberal actors in Russia, Germany, Italy, and Austria construct narratives that legitimise violence in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Just as a virus exploits favourable conditions to spread, violence proliferates when political and social environments allow. By exposing how such actors frame violence as necessary — or even virtuous — the project works to counter pro-invasion narratives and strengthen democratic resilience across Europe.
What We Do
Objectives
Develop a research framework applicable to cross-regime comparative analysis.
Map illiberal narrative entrepreneurs, their networks, and the violence-endorsing narratives they produce and amplify.
Deliver actionable outputs and practical training to identify and counter Russian disinformation, in line with EU goals.
This project is the result of a much wider collective effort. It gratefully acknowledges the continuous support of academics, students, practitioners, technical experts, and administrative staff.
The Team