Mapping the international propagandistic and subversive influence in North Macedonia

Donor
USA Embassy in RNM

Duration
30 July 2022 – 28 February 2023

About the Project

The overall goal of the project was to counter the subversive, propagandistic and destabilizing international influence in the crucial social spheres, such as, media and information dissemination. etc. Within the auspices of the project we have conducted a study focused on identification of the leading narratives present in the media coverage of relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, as well the coverage of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine. The study was focused on identification of methods of dissemination of these contents in the public. The analysis also investigated possible presence of disinformation, unverified and unconfirmed conspiratorial contents, anti-western rhetoric, etc.

 The second component of the research consisted of socio-demographically conceived focus-groups with citizens.  A cross-analysis of the subversive and propaganda narratives present in the media and their representation in the findings of the focus groups allowed us to investigate the manner and the extent to which these narratives influence the public opinion and levels of information available to the citizens.

Achievements

• Comprehensive in-depth report publicly available as an effective tool to educate, to raise awareness and to boost public debate.
• The research findings and recommendations widely shared with the domestic and international community (the Government and other relevant state institutions, diplomats, civil society and media organizations, experts, students, etc.), in order to effectively combat malign information, disinformation and manipulation which can easily affect citizen’s’ and national security and stability.
• The research findings and recommendations are incorporated in the recommendation document on countering disinformation and malign influence that has been submitted and accepted by the Government. This is a collaborative initiative of several CSO that work in the field of communication, media, disinformation and malign content.

Activities

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