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SUPPORT FOR ENSURING SOCIAL COHESION: ASSESSING SOCIETAL PERCEPTIONS OF SECURITY AND MONITORING MISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

The aim of the project is to create a safer and more transparent information environment in the Republic of Moldova, where misinformation is effectively identified and countered, and the perceptions and concerns of citizens, including ethnic minorities, are understood.

Specific objectives:

Objective 1: To identify disinformation and false narratives in the information space;

Objective 2: To analyze the concerns and perceptions of Moldovan society, including national minorities, towards

defense and security sector;

Objective 3: Facilitating a better understanding of political developments in Moldova, developing a network

international network of experts to monitor these developments, to contribute to the reform process and to promote

dialog and cooperation between European and transatlantic actors.

Project beneficiaries:

Direct: General public, StratCom Center and the fight against disinformation

Indirect: European Commission

Thecentral problem that the project aims to address is the significant and growing influence of misinformation in the online space in the Republic of Moldova, which undermines social cohesion and affects public perceptions of national security and the European integration process. Disinformation, especially that propelled by external actors such as the Russian Federation, aims at destabilizing the democratic process and eroding trust in state institutions, thus creating divisions in society and negatively influencing political decision-making.

The project will address two critical aspects of the problem:

  1. By constantly monitoring online platforms and analyzing false narratives, the project will allow for a reaction

and effective response from the relevant institutions. This will reduce the impact of disinformation on public opinion

public opinion and protect the democratic process and the pro-European orientation of the country.

  1. Through opinion polling and detailed analysis, the project will provide the government and other decision-makers with information

essential for adapting security policies to the needs and concerns of citizens. This will

contribute to greater public confidence in the security institutions and strengthen social cohesion – in particular by

based on the perceptions of ethnic minorities on security issues.

Project duration: September 2024 – March 2025

The project is implemented by the Platform for Security and Defense Initiatives and funded by the Soros Foundation Moldova.