The rise of social media and the fragmentation of traditional news media has led to a global crisis of disinformation. Governments, non-government actors, and shadow groups are spreading misleading and often false information, which undermines democracy around the world. Democratic nations that depend on a certain level of social and political trust to function properly face an existential crisis as that trust is eroded. How can democratic governments face this crisis to rebuild faith in democratic practices and values?
Information and Influence in Sweden
Sweden is overhauling their approach to national defense, greatly expanding military budgets, restoring conscription, and hardening defenses.
Part of the increasing pressure on Sweden comes in the form of insidious information campaigns, some originating within the country, some coming from right-wing political groups beyond Sweden’s borders, and some sponsored by antagonistic states.
Since 2016, the FDR Foundation has been honored to periodically work with the Swedish government on countering disinformation campaigns. Now we’re taking the work from Harvard to Stockholm, where four professors will work directly with Swedish decision makers and practitioners in November, 2019. We look forward to both being of assistance and to bringing our findings back to Harvard for further research