In the recent years, the threat from propaganda and disinformation to open societies have received increasing attention. Several actors are purposefully trying to distort the open debate in Western democracies, and it seems to have an effect. What are the key narratives towards Sweden? How is disinformation being carried out? And, what are the ideological techniques?
To discuss these questions Stockholm Free World Forum was delighted to host a seminar about the propaganda towards Sweden, with speakers, Scott Ruston, Research Scientist with Arizona State University’s Global Security Initiative, and Patrik Oksanen, Senior Fellow at Stockholm Free World Forum.
Scott Ruston is a Research Scientist with Arizona State University’s Global Security Initiative, a hub for researching complex challenges in the global security arena, where he leads the GSI’s Narrative, Disinformation and Strategic Influence research pillar. Also, a member of ASU’s Center for Strategic Communication, Ruston’s research focuses on the socio-cultural dimensions of the information domain. He has applied his expertise in narrative theory and media studies to a variety of counter violent extremism contexts.
Patrik Oksanen is Senior Fellow at Stockholm Free World Forum. He is a journalist, writer and opinionmaker in security and defence. He won the 2017 prize for best editorial writer of the year by Dagens Opinion and journalist of the year 2018 by Dagens Media. His book Skarpa Skärvor shows how information warfare is a threat to the open society.