Disinformation is often assumed to work by deceiving audiences, but influence can occur even when misleading content is recognized as such. This talk examines how Russian strategic narratives circulating on social media resonate with audiences in West Africa. Drawing on mixed-methods research in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, the talk explores whether and how exposure shifts perceptions of foreign powers. The findings highlight how disinformation operates through resonance with existing grievances rather than belief, underscoring the importance of context-sensitive approaches.