a military alliance formed in 1949

to protect European countries

against the Soviet Union.

“Only a strong defensive alliance

could deter them from further adventures.”

NATO now includes 29 countries,

including three that are former Soviet states.

“Estonia …

Latvia …

Lituania.”

The Soviet Union may have collapsed,

but Russia is still trying to wield influence

over the region and undermine nations who get in its way.

How?

By trying to destabilize America and Europe,

and damage their relationship.

The goal: to weaken alliances

so Russia can more freely pursue its interests.

From cybermeddling to mind games,

here's how the country and its leader, Vladimir Putin,

excel at geostrategic trolling.

One tactic?

The method:

Invade a foreign nation,

reject the outcry

and hold the territory.

Exhibit A:

Just as Ukraine was embarking

on a pro-Western course and possibly joining NATO,

Russian-backed rebels seized Crimea.

They've been there ever since.

And Russia even built a massive bridge

to connect to the area.

Method:

Stoke instability,

claim innocence.

Exhibit A:

“Little green men.”

Russia claimed the insignia-free forces

who took over strategic locations in Crimea

were not the Russian military, but instead

were “separatists.”

Putin eventually admitted that the men were his troops,

once Crimea was under control.

Method:

Posture the military in provocative ways.

Exhibit A:

Deploying next generation nuclear-capable missiles

at NATO's doorstep.

Method:

Undermine elections,

trigger power outages —

“Ukraine.”

— leak emails.

Exhibit A:

Cozy Bear and Fancy Bear.

These were Russia-linked hacking entities accused

of attacking America's elections.

The U.S. has indicted 12 Russian military officials

for the interference.

Use soft power to hide ugly truths.

Method:

Host international sporting events

to show you're a good global citizen.

Exhibit A: the World Cup,

which allows Russia to gloss over charges

of human rights abuses and international isolation.

Method:

Find a useful megaphone for your message.

Exhibit A: Donald Trump.

The U.S. president has been reluctant

to criticize Putin for his country's actions.

“And I might even end up having a good relationship,

but they're going:

'President Putin is K.G.B,' and —

you know what, Putin's fine.”

That's made it easier for Russia

to achieve its aim of weakening the world order.