The Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation published on Friday, January 16, the report titled Information Manipulation and Democratic Resilience Malign Networks and Persistent Information Threats.
The report analyzes information manipulation and foreign interference that affect the democratic resilience of the Republic of Moldova. It assesses recent developments in the information environment and identifies risks and threats that can undermine democratic processes and the countrys European integration path.
The report shows that the Russian Federation and its influence networks constantly recalibrate and adapt their information manipulation strategies. Their strategic objective remains unchanged and seeks to block Moldovas European integration by eroding domestic and external public support.
According to the report, manipulation efforts target public perceptions about the countrys future and its ability to become a member of the European Union. These messages aim to discourage the population and reduce the confidence of external partners in Moldovas European commitment. The documented cases show that these actions are coordinated, persistent, and adapted to internal political and social dynamics.
The document outlines malign tactics such as disinformation, emotional manipulation, exploitation of sensitive topics, and artificial amplification of online content. It presents concrete cases of information manipulation and analyzes their objectives, target audiences, and social impact.
The report describes the current socio political context as deeply polarized and fragmented in terms of trust in state institutions. Increased reliance on social media as a primary source of information intensifies this polarization. According to the analysis, malign actors systematically exploit these vulnerabilities in information manipulation operations.
The report characterizes these attacks as long term, planned, and adaptive efforts. Their goal is not only to influence public opinion, but also to weaken societys ability to distinguish truth from falsehood. This process undermines informed decision making and weakens democratic resilience.
At the same time, the report stresses that authorities need a proactive and coherent response. It proposes a whole of society approach that includes understanding manipulation patterns, strengthening strategic communication, and improving cooperation between institutions, media, and civil society. The report calls for coordinated actions to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen social cohesion.
The Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation reaffirmed its commitment to transparent public information, protection of the national information space, and promotion of national interests.
A secure and resilient information space remains essential for democracy and for the European path of the Republic of Moldova.