Disinformation Resilience in Central and Eastern Europe: Navigating an Evolving Threat Landscape
The Disinformation Resilience Index (DRI) 2024 report provides a crucial analysis of the evolving disinformation landscape in Central and Eastern Europe, a region grappling with significant geopolitical shifts and the ongoing impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Covering four Visegrad countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) and six Eastern Partnership states (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine), the report offers a comprehensive assessment of how these nations are navigating the increasingly complex information environment. The DRI, calculated through expert surveys, reveals shifts in national resilience to disinformation since the 2021 report, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine serves as a pivotal backdrop, significantly impacting the region’s media landscape, legal frameworks, and societal responses to disinformation.
The 2024 DRI report builds upon previous research, incorporating methodological refinements to provide a more nuanced understanding of disinformation resilience. Each country chapter follows a consistent structure, offering a detailed overview of recent studies on disinformation, examining the specific effects of the war in Ukraine, and analyzing changes in the national media landscape. The reports delve into the evolution of legal and institutional frameworks addressing disinformation, as well as the responses implemented by media organizations and civil society groups. This structured approach enables comparative analysis across the ten countries, identifying common trends and country-specific challenges in combating disinformation. The report underscores the dynamic nature of disinformation and the need for adaptable strategies to counter its evolving tactics.
The findings of the DRI 2024 report reveal a complex picture of disinformation resilience across the region. While some countries have demonstrated improvements in certain areas, others have faced setbacks due to factors like political instability and the influx of disinformation related to the war in Ukraine. The report highlights the critical role of independent media, robust legal frameworks, and active civil society engagement in fostering resilience against disinformation. It also underscores the need for international cooperation and information sharing to effectively counter cross-border disinformation campaigns. The report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and civil society organizations working to strengthen democratic processes and protect the integrity of information in Central and Eastern Europe.
One of the key areas of focus in the 2024 DRI report is the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the disinformation landscape. The war has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and created new challenges for countries in the region. The influx of pro-Kremlin propaganda and the spread of false narratives about the conflict have tested the resilience of even the most robust information ecosystems. The report highlights the need for targeted interventions to counter war-related disinformation and support independent journalism in providing accurate and reliable information to the public. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of media literacy education and critical thinking skills in empowering citizens to identify and resist disinformation.
The 2024 DRI report also examines the evolving legal and institutional frameworks for addressing disinformation in Central and Eastern Europe. Some countries have adopted new legislation and regulations aimed at curbing the spread of false information, while others are still grappling with the challenge of balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect against harmful content. The report analyzes the effectiveness of these measures and provides recommendations for strengthening legal and institutional responses to disinformation. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that such measures are implemented in a transparent and accountable manner, and that they do not unduly restrict legitimate forms of expression.
Beyond government actions, the DRI report emphasizes the crucial role of media organizations and civil society groups in combating disinformation. These actors are at the forefront of fact-checking efforts, media literacy initiatives, and public awareness campaigns. The report analyzes the diverse strategies employed by these organizations and highlights the need for greater collaboration and resource sharing to enhance their effectiveness. The report also calls for stronger support for independent media outlets, which are often under pressure due to political interference, economic constraints, and the spread of disinformation itself. By strengthening the capacity of these essential actors, countries can bolster their overall resilience to disinformation and safeguard democratic processes. The report, co-financed by the Visegrad Group through the International Visegrad Fund, demonstrates a commitment to regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges related to disinformation. This collaborative approach is essential for effectively countering the transnational nature of disinformation campaigns. The DRI 2024 report provides a timely and relevant analysis of the evolving disinformation landscape in Central and Eastern Europe, offering valuable insights and recommendations for strengthening resilience in the face of this growing threat.
