The Useful Idiot (useful idiot): A political term for a person who, without realizing it, promotes the interests or propaganda of a foreign power, ideology, or group. They usually believe they are serving a noble cause, while in reality they are cynically exploited by those who despise them and who would abandon them as soon as they ceased to be useful. Key characteristics: •Ignorance or naivety: they do not realize they are being manipulated •Good faith: they act out of conviction rather than personal gain, which distinguishes them from an agent or a conscious collaborator •Benefits third parties: their actions or public statements serve objectives contrary to the interests of their own country or society Origin: The term became established during the Cold War for Western intellectuals, journalists, and politicians who defended the Soviet Union. The phrase is often attributed to Lenin, but it has not been found in any of his writings, so the attribution is considered unverified. Modern use: Today the term is used mainly in the context of hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns. It refers to individuals who reproduce narratives of foreign states—for example on social media—thereby reinforcing influence operations without realizing it.