The New Axis of Disinformation: ISDP co-hosted a seminar with the Stockholm Free World Forum (Frivärld)

April 23, 2025: On April 22, ISDP co-hosted a seminar with the Stockholm Free World Forum (Frivärld), exploring the evolving threats posed by disinformation and the increasing convergence of authoritarian narratives within democratic societies.

The event built on ISDP’s recent publication “The Convergence of Disinformation: Examining Russia and China’s Partnership in the Digital Age,” which analyzes the overlapping strategies employed by Moscow and Beijing to distort information, shape global perceptions, and undermine democratic institutions.

In addition to examining foreign influence operations, the discussion also addressed how political rhetoric in the United States — particularly under the Trump administration — has increasingly adopted communication strategies similar to those used by autocratic regimes. These include the discrediting of traditional media, amplification of aligned digital voices, and the adoption of narratives that align closely with Kremlin messaging, particularly around the war in Ukraine.

Key speakers included Filip Borges Månsson (ISDP), Johan Wiktorin (INTIL Group, ISDP), Alexander Lange (Civil Rights Defenders), and Patrik Oksanen (Frivärld), who served as moderator. Together, they provided valuable perspectives on the implications of these developments for transatlantic security, democratic integrity, and the future of global information flows.

The event served as a critical platform for dialogue on the growing challenges posed by disinformation and the need for democratic societies to remain resilient and unified in response.