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Opinion
Hal Brands

The U.S. Is Learning to Win the Information War Against Putin

Biden’s willingness to publicly release sensitive intelligence on Russia and Ukraine is savvy, but not without risks.

What’s he up to?

What’s he up to?

Photographer: Mikhail Klimentyev /AFP/Getty Images

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Intelligence work happens in the shadows, but the Ukraine crisis is dragging it into the sunlight. One of the most remarkable aspects of this showdown has been President Joe Biden’s willingness to publicly release sensitive information on Russia’s plans before they can be put into action.

These disclosures are part of a strategy to stay a step ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin. They also represent a faster, more aggressive approach to waging the information wars of the 21st century.