Sending the Right Message

Sending the right message 144. It is nevertheless striking that two out of the five ‘pillars’154 of the cross-Whitehall Russia Strategy are still focused on proactive engagement and relationship-building with Russia, beyond essential communication.155 Whilst it is possible that an improved relationship between Russia and the UK may one day reduce the threat to the UK, it is unrealistic to think that that might happen under the current Russian leadership. It would have to be dependent on Russia ceasing its acts of aggression towards the UK, such as the use of chemical weapons on UK soil. The UK, as a Western democracy, cannot allow Russia to flout the Rules Based International Order without there being commensurate consequences. Any public move towards a more allied relationship with Russia at present 153 *** 154 We note, however, that these two pillars only make up a very small part of the overall action. 155 The cross-Whitehall Russia Strategy seeks engagement with Russia civil society as well as the Russian government. 41 would severely undermine the strength of the international response to Salisbury, and the UK’s leadership and credibility within this movement.

A screenshot of a serious-looking report page titled “Sending the right message.” It discusses the UK’s Russia strategy, diplomatic engagement, and consequences for Russian aggression, with dense footnotes and a page number. The joke is the absurd contrast between the earnest bureaucratic wording and the meme-like presentation, making it useful as a reaction to overly formal, contradictory, or politically awkward messaging.

• @infosecmemes / 331 2020-07-21