In the digital age, disinformation is not only observed in high conflict contexts where information is scarce, but has also become a common strategic tool across geopolitical contexts. Increasingly, disinformation is weaponized across borders to specifically undermine trust in political institutions, amplify social polarisation and influence political decision-making processes elsewhere. Current research shows that disinformation campaigns rarely happen in isolated contexts, but play a significant role as part of broader hybrid influence strategies in which digital manipulation tactics, political measures and military dynamics are intertwined. As a result, reactive or purely technical countermeasures tend to be insufficient. To tackle disinformation, integrated, society-wide approaches that bring together different policy areas, diverse actors and levels of action are required to combat disinformation.

This is precisely where the research and knowledge transfer project “Impact Hub: Integrated Efficacy of Integrated Action for Peace”, funded by the German Federal Foreign office and the Robert Bosch Foundation, seeks to make a difference. The Impact Hub is an interdisciplinary research unit working at the intersection of research and practical application. Its objective is to systematically compare insights from various conflict contexts and prepare it for use in policy-making. The aim is to enhance the effectiveness of Germany's engagement in regions such as West Africa, the Western Balkans, Ukraine and the Middle East by drawing on practical insights as well as academic research in the fields of peace, democracy and security studies.

One of the Impact Hub's key areas of focus is the fight against disinformation in conflict contexts. In their research on Ukraine and Syria, SCRIPTS researchers Dr. Gözde Böcü and Tannas Michel demonstrate to what extent disinformation campaigns influence peace and stabilization processes, and how certain manipulation techniques recur across different contexts despite different scope conditions. These include deliberately exacerbating social divisions, instrumentalising state and non-state actors to manipulate information, and exploiting platform vulnerabilities to amplify manipulated narratives. At the same time, it is evident that the effectiveness of counter-strategies is heavily dependent on the specific context, including factors such as the structure of national and local media, the level of trust in state institutions, and the involvement of civil society actors. These findings have direct implications for the way in which disinformation is addressed in democratic societies. Firstly, resilience cannot be achieved through government measures alone, such as platform regulation. Instead, civil society organisations, independent media and the research community must play a key role.

Secondly, early and preventive approaches are vital in reducing the efficacy of disinformation campaigns. For example, these could include monitoring, the development of strategic counter-narratives, and the promotion of media literacy across society as a whole. However, combatting disinformation remains somewhat contentious: any measures aimed at regulating or intervening in digital public spheres must be carefully weighed against principles such as freedom of expression and pluralism.

Against this backdrop, opportunities for exchange between academia, politics and the private sector are becoming increasingly important. One example of such exchange is the specialist seminar “Disinformation and Security Policy” hosted by the Federal Academy for Security Policy (BAKS), which, in cooperation with SCRIPTS, brings together diverse perspectives from politics, society, and academia. Within this cooperation, a comprehensive understanding of how to fight disinformation is conveyed, with the aim of translating cutting-edge insights from the field, research and policymaking into concrete courses of action. In this context, academic exchange formats, such as the fireside chat with Prof. Dr Anita Gohdes (SCRIPTS PI/Hertie School) on the topic of “Social Media between War and Authoritarian Influence”, provide a basic understanding of current issues in dealing with disinformation in geopolitically challenging times. Alongside academic input from leading experts, innovative formats offer opportunities to gain practical experience in dealing with disinformation. In collaboration with the agency planpolitik, SCRIPTS is also running a practical simulation exercise in which participants can learn to identify disinformation campaigns and test strategic approaches to dealing with disinformation through fictional scenarios.

However, the SCRIPTS researchers also stress that establishing long-term structures for continued exchange between research and policy-making is even more important. With the foundation of a 'Community of Practice on Combating Disinformation', SCRIPTS and BAKS are creating such a structure which aims to have a long-term impact on how disinformation is tackled in the future. The aim is to connect stakeholders and decision-makers, provide opportunities for networking, continuously pool knowledge, make experiences from various fields accessible and work together on strategies for society as a whole.

Overall, dealing with disinformation is an ongoing task for policymakers and democratic societies as a whole. Research can play a key role by identifying patterns, providing contextual knowledge, and developing evidence-based courses of action. However, it is crucial that this knowledge is put into practice and continuously adjusted based on current trends and developments.

Contactpersons- Impact Hub:

Tannas Michel, Senior Researcher, SCRIPTS

Dr. Gözde Böcü, Senior Researcher, SCRIPTS