# Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare

Secret: Active Measures by Thomas Rid examines the history of disinformation and political warfare through accounts of covert influence operations spanning a century. The listing describes a 528-page English-language edition from Profile Books, published in 2021.

- [Original product page](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/product/active-measures-secret-history-disinformation-political-warfare)
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- Market: UK
- Language: en-GB
- Currency: GBP
- Category: Books, Music & Hobbies > Books, Music & Movies > Books & Comics
- Price: 8.91 GBP
- Previous price: 14.99 GBP
- Discount: 41%
- Price checked: 2026-11-12T14:57:59.499Z
- Rating: 4.4 / 5
- Reviews: 396

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## At a glance

- Uses historical case studies to explore covert influence, forged information and psychological warfare.
- The listing describes examples involving Russian military intelligence, the KGB and the CIA.
- At 528 pages, this is a substantial read rather than a brief introduction.

## Pros

- The historical scope connects earlier covert campaigns with modern concerns about disinformation.
- Customer feedback describes the writing as informative and well-written.

## Specifications

### Publication details
- Publisher: Profile Books
- Publication date: 5 Aug. 2021
- Edition: Main
- Language: English
- Print length: 528 pages
- ISBN-10: 1788160754
- ISBN-13: 978-1788160759
### Dimensions and installation
- Weight listed: 400 g
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 3.4 x 19.6 cm

## Before you buy

- The description presents historical operations as a century-long context for current disinformation, so readers seeking a narrowly focused account of the 2016 election may want a different emphasis.

## A good fit for

- Readers interested in the history of disinformation, propaganda and political warfare.
- Those looking for historical case studies involving intelligence operations and covert influence.

## Less suited to

- Readers seeking a short overview or a book focused exclusively on current events.

## Customer feedback

Customer feedback highlights the book as informative and well-written, with positive comments on its readability and historical coverage. Reactions to the content are mixed, including a concern that some discussion falls into speculation. Its broad historical scope suits readers interested in tracing disinformation over time, while those wanting a strictly non-speculative treatment may weigh that criticism. Aggregate ratings are generally favourable but cannot resolve that difference in response.
- Positive themes: Customers describe the book as informative and well-written.
- Positive themes: Feedback also praises its readability and comprehensive historical coverage.
- Mixed feedback: Reactions to the content are mixed, with a customer noting that parts fall into speculation.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Active Measures about?
The listing describes a historical account of covert psychological warfare and disinformation, with examples ranging from early operations to more recent political campaigns.
### How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 528 pages.
### Is this edition in English?
Yes. The listed language is English.

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## Images

![Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare — 1](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/9TNRFaC737TqVdwzG8vi3cwXIcWQ5Pa65UhhFyq8hTJWd9xxcHY7grZfsLSb8h-8I90v6XJNGRKOE2x0e4Te-bmgMNuS0xA8AIwb8TyIQE1EE7GGWRaZ.jpg)