About VIRUS
Learn about the VIRUS project, its team and objectives
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 actors frame violence as necessary — or even virtuous — the project works to counter pro-invasion narratives and strengthen democratic resilience across Europe.
Team
Our objectives are:
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.