Disinformation is one of the key instruments that undemocratic states use to advance their geopolitical and geostrategic objectives through the manipulation of public opinion, election interference, and undermining the established norms and institutions which guarantee the international rules-based order. Enhancing institutional resilience against threats in the information space is an important prerequisite for strengthening societal preparedness to tackle foreign influence operations.

This practical guidance covers relevant concepts, case studies, and techniques regarding the detection of disinformation messaging, the analysis of risk that its spread poses, and the development of counter-measures to mitigate negative consequences and safeguard the integrity of the information ecosystem. The guidance is grounded in а standardised approach for risk assessment and showcases existing good practice for using strategic communication in response to disinformation threats.

This practical guidance is developed by the Center for the Study of Democracy in cooperation with the Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute.