McFaul Epitomizes Embrace of Social Media Against Russia's State Media
In an attempt to refute Russia's onslaught of negative reports in the state-run media, new US Ambassador Michael McFaul is taking to Twitter to defend himself.
After McFaul challenged the accuracy of an article in Russia Today on Twitter and Facebook, he received more than 60 comments - mostly supportive. A US State Department official said that while McFaul isn't the only American ambassador using social media, he is the most active user.
Given Russia's booming Internet population, and opposition's reliance on social media to organize rallies, the strategy shift in communication couldn't come at a more appropriate time.
McFaul has battled suspicions, fueled by state-run media, since he came to Moscow earlier this year that he and the United States are behind opposition protests.
The anti-American spin runs right to the top of Russia's leadership. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin himself in December accused the State Department and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of financing nongovernmental organizations that were aiding the protesters - an accusation McFaul denies.
Yevgeny Minchenko, a political PR consultant, said McFaul is putting the United States on the leading edge of a diplomatic trend.