Media & Democracy Takes on New Psychological Defense Initiative

Openness, freedom of expression, and free opinion-forming are fundamental to Swedish democracy. This means it's essential that individuals in democratically crucial roles can perform their jobs without restrictions.

"There are ample studies and testimonies that show the vulnerability of, for example, journalists, elected officials, researchers, and policymakers in socially critical areas. This is a concerning development," states Robert Olsson.

In a turbulent international security climate, actors from various countries are attempting to undermine trust through disinformation and other influence operations, thereby hindering these groups from performing their jobs.

"In addition to the international activities aimed at discrediting Sweden, we have a growing domestic attitude that also contributes to undermining trust in groups with socially vital jobs and assignments," explains Robert Olsson.

As a result, the need to establish a national platform for experience exchange and new research within this field has emerged. The aim is to strengthen collective resilience, Sweden's psychological defense, and thereby democracy. Beyond sharing experiences and knowledge among different professional groups, the project also aims to provide researchers with more accessible insight into the consequences that influence campaigns and threats and hatred entail for society.

"The Swedish Psychological Defence Agency (MPF), as well as our networks among researchers, publishers, and elected officials, have without exception reacted positively to our assignment," says Robert Olsson, who believes that Lindholmen Science Park and Media & Democracy's credibility as a neutral platform without its own agenda are behind the rapid support the project has received.

Step one of the project will formulate and design the platform's framework and core operations. This phase will continue until the end of the year.

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