The Russian Propaganda Nesting Doll: How RT is Layered into the Digital Information Environment

Schafer et al. use ASD's Information Laundromat tool to map how RT content — from a formally sanctioned outlet — continues to reach Western audiences through third-party laundering sites that repackage and redistribute its narratives without attribution to the sanctioned source. The 'nesting doll' metaphor captures the layered structure: RT produces the narrative, which passes through first-generation laundering sites, then into aggregators, then into mainstream social media.

The information laundering model is one of the most practically important concepts in current FIMI analysis. It explains why sanctioning state media outlets has limited effect on narrative reach. For practitioners designing counter-narrative strategies or sanctions policy, understanding the laundering infrastructure is essential.