Active Measures

Active Measures is a riveting documentary film directed by Jack Bryan that premiered in 2018. This critical exposé offers an extensive exploration into Russian interference in political landscapes, particularly focusing on the 2016 United States elections—a topic that continues to be highly controversial and fiercely debated.

Named after the Soviet term for the actions of political warfare conducted by the Russian security services to influence the course of world events, Active Measures paints a comprehensive picture of decades-long covert political warfare. This film pulls back the curtain on the networks of money, influence, and disinformation that have clouded the truth behind this unprecedented political saga.

The film centers in part on Russian President, Vladimir Putin, delving deeply into his rise to power and his use of active measures tactics to maintain control and disrupt democracies around the world. Providing a crucial backdrop for understanding Putin’s motivations and strategies, the director weaves together events from Russia's recent past, including the fall of the Soviet Union and Putin’s time in the KGB.

Through candid interviews from high profile figures like Jeremy Bash, former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Nina Burleigh, an award-winning journalist and author who focuses on politics, law, and human rights, Active Measures substantiates its claims, bringing to the fore the insights of those most in the know. Various other figures from the intelligence community, political leaders, and journalists feature, giving audiences multiple perspectives.

This urgent and eye-opening documentary presents a detailed chronology of events leading up to Russia's interference in the U.S. presidential election in 2016. Constructing a compelling case, the film connects the dots between many disparate elements, such as Russia’s manipulation of global events, the rise of shell corporations, the entanglement of wealthy oligarchs, and Putin's influence over the Trump campaign.

The director, Jack Bryan, creates a stark and undeniable narrative through expertly edited interviews, exhaustive investigative journalism, and archival footage, substantiating the extent and depth of Russian meddling in political arenas. The featured revelations are sure to shock and unsettle viewers, regardless of their political persuasion.

Active Measures demonstrates a riveting genre of documentary filmmaking, reshaping our understanding of documentary storytelling to serve not merely as a mirror reflecting reality, but also as a powerful tool that unveils versions of the truth which are systematically hidden or manipulated. This film encourages audiences to question the nature and sources of the information they consume daily, raising serious concerns about the integrity of our democratic processes.

While the film makes a complex web of points about international politics and criminal shell companies, the narrative remains engaging and accessible for viewers who are new to these topics. The narrative pacing keeps viewers hooked, while the variety of perspectives ensures a balanced and nuanced debate.

Active Measures avoids being polemical or sensational, instead opting for a sobering exploration of facts and investigations. The film is a wakeup call about the insidious nature of modern political warfare, demonstrating the urgent need for ordinary citizens to understand the complexities of this threat. Moreover, it leaves viewers with a sense of well-informed dread, a call to action, and an impassioned mandate to resist complacency.

Active Measures serves as an important reminder of how fragile democracies can be in the face of sophisticated, state-sponsored cyber warfare. The film poses a critical watch for anyone invested in the future of democracy, international relations, or cybersecurity and offers a deep dive into one of the most crucial issues in contemporary political discourse.

In summary, Active Measures is much more than a film; it’s a wake-up call to the realities of the geopolitical landscape, shining a light on the obscured manipulations of global powers. The documentary demands viewers to ask the difficult questions and encourages them to more critically engage with the global events shaping their world.