When history becomes a tool of state influence

History does not only shape how societies understand the past. It can also be used to influence how they understand the present. New SOC ACE research, Manufacturing Memory: Historical Revelation as State Threat, examines how states use historical material and narratives as part of wider information and influence operations.

The briefing, by Mr Matthew Redhead, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), explores how historical material can be selectively released, stripped of context, redacted or forged to support particular narratives. It also considers attacks on the reputations of historical figures and the longer-term use of historical fiction, film and television to influence cultural assumptions and perceptions.

The research examines documented cases involving historical narratives and considers the emerging role of generative AI and deepfakes in this activity. It asks how historical manipulation can contribute to wider state threats and undermine the resilience of target societies.

The briefing forms part of SOC ACE’s wider work on When history becomes a tool of state influence alongside Old Wine, New Bottles? The Challenge of State Threats (2025), the state threats briefing and synthesis series and the forthcoming Weathering the Storm? Policy Responses to State Threats.

Together, this work examines how state threats evolve and how policymakers, practitioners and researchers can strengthen understanding and resilience in response.