Todd Leventhal has 25 years of experience combating disinformation, conspiracy theories, and false information from Russia, the Soviet Union, Iraq, and other countries, primarily for the U.S. Information Agency and the U.S. Department of State. He was the sole or primary U.S. government official responsible for combating disinformation and misinformation from 1989-1996, 2002-2010, and 2015. Todd examines the historical use of terms like "useful idiot" and "fellow traveler" in the context of Soviet and Russian influence operations. It emphasizes the crucial need for careful and scrupulous distinctions between actual agents, sympathizers, useful idiots, and fellow travelers to maintain credibility in counter-disinformation efforts. The article details how Soviet intelligence leveraged non-communist sympathizers to amplify their propaganda and disinformation, citing specific historical examples such as the Jim Garrison case and the reporting of Walter Duranty. It also cautions against the imprecise and politically motivated labeling of individuals as "agents" or "useful idiots" simply for holding views that align with Moscow's.

The principles discussed in this paper remain highly relevant for understanding contemporary foreign influence operations. The distinction between those actively recruited and controlled by foreign adversaries (agents) versus those who, for various reasons (naiveté, shared ideology, genuine conviction, or even opportunism), amplify or align with foreign narratives is critical. Mislabeling individuals can undermine legitimate efforts to counter disinformation by making the overall analysis appear politically biased or inaccurate, thus reducing public trust and effectiveness. This article serves as a reminder to prioritize thorough research and precise terminology in the complex landscape of information warfare.