When history becomes a tool of state influence

States are increasingly using the past to shape the present. New research by Matthew Redhead (RUSI) examines how historical narratives, archival material and reputations can be manipulated as part of wider information and influence operations. The briefing explores tactics ranging from selective archival releases and forgeries to historical fiction, film and emerging technologies such as generative AI and deepfakes, and considers what this means for information integrity and the resilience of democratic societies.