S9 Ep65: The Persuasion Game and How Influence Peddlers Target Democracy with Chad Lewis

In this episode, Chris speaks with Chad Lewis, author of The Persuasion Game, about how foreign influence operations exploit Western political vulnerabilities. Chad discusses the rise of Kremlin-backed disinformation campaigns, the use of political operatives and lobbyists to bypass formal institutions using shadow diplomacy. The conversation explores how narratives are seeded, legitimized, and weaponized in US and UK politics, drawing on case studies involving Ukraine, authoritarian networks, and digital propaganda. Chad also reflects on how disinformation has reshaped public trust, democratic institutions, and international relations in the 21st century.Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs.Order The Persuasion Game: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/bookstore/timely-politics-and-current-affairs/the-persuasion-game/Find more about Chad and his work: https://chadlewis.netSubscribe to Chad’s Substack: https://chadlewis11.substack.comFollow Chad on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chad1ewis.bsky.socialPlease share this episode using these linksAudio: https://pod.fo/e/31b229YouTube: https://youtu.be/ep6Uv_Rgm6kJoin Chris on a one-day podcast coursePodcast Workshop Monday 22nd September 10am - 5pm @ The Guildford Institute:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1477046087609Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.comConnect with us on social mediaBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspiesFacebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspiesSpoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesFollow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.netSecrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.Music by Andrew R. BirdPhotos by AP/Andrew Harnik & Jose Luis MaganaSecrets and Spies is a spy podcast that sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.