Vitalie Armașu, Ph.D., a retired colonel and senior consultant within the National Integrity Authority of the Republic of Moldova, was the Marshall Center’s latest alumni scholar to present his research in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Aug. 5, 2025, offering a timely analysis on combating disinformation and building national and societal resilience.

His research, "Increasing Moldova's Deterrence Potential: Integrating National and Societal Resilience in Combating Russian Disinformation and Manipulation," offered a detailed case study on Russian information operations and interference in Moldova.

“The focus was a practical one. I'm using my skill as a former intelligence officer to analyze and gather information about the situation in my country…this information that is coming from every corner now, from Russian sources,” Armașu said. “It was challenging, interesting, and extremely important.”

Armașu provided a detailed analysis of how the Russian government attempts to divide, distort, and destabilize through the strategic use of media manipulation and influence operations. He highlighted how Russian disinformation tactics have shifted in recent years from traditional broadcast channels to social media platforms like Telegram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Armașu also discussed the role of local actors and networks, including controversial figures and proxy organizations, in amplifying foreign propaganda with the goal of undermining Moldova's democratic institutions and its European aspirations.

“I think that the Marshall Center can benefit from that and understand how the situation is now in Moldova,” Armașu said. “And I explained to everyone that the authorities have a plan…they have the power to implement democratization. We are not weak. We are a country who is fighting for our future.”

Mr. Armașu is the fourth alumni scholar from Moldova and the 117th since 2014 to complete the five-week research program at the Marshall Center.

“The Marshall Center made me…more applicable at home, because I can bring my knowledge from the Marshall Center to home,” Armașu said.

Special thanks to his academic advisor, German Army Lt. Col. Falk Tettweiler, and to the Marshall Center faculty and staff who continue to support the mission of the Alumni Scholars Program.

“We are very proud to support and celebrate the achievements of our alumni,” said Chris Burelli, director of Alumni Programs. “Their ongoing contributions to the field of security studies reflect the values and principles at the core of the Marshall Center's mission.”

The Alumni Scholar Program prioritizes research that addresses the complex security challenges of our time and reflects topics of strategic relevance to the Marshall Center and its partners.