Facing a Tsunami: Sweden’s Psychological Defense Agency Battles Disinformation
The Fight Against Misinformation
Facing a tsunami of disinformation about the treatment of Muslims, Sweden has taken a stand. The country has turned to its newly created Psychological Defense Agency, part of the Ministry of Defense, to combat the sustained online attack. By borrowing strategies from the Cold War era, Sweden aims to protect its people from foreign influence in an era of “total war” with Russia.
A Targeted Campaign
Sweden’s leaders have accused Russia of spearheading a deliberate online campaign to discredit the country and hinder its bid to join NATO. Russia’s efforts to amplify global reactions online to protests in Sweden, including the burning of copies of the Quran, have already impacted Sweden’s NATO accession. The Psychological Defense Agency believes that the level of disinformation from Russia has reached unprecedented heights.
A Democratic Dilemma
Sweden’s fight against disinformation reflects a larger struggle facing democracies worldwide. Balancing the values of free speech with the dangers posed by malicious information online has become increasingly challenging. The case of Sweden raises questions about how governments can effectively combat disinformation campaigns without infringing on democratic principles and freedom of expression.
The Role of the Psychological Defense Agency
The Psychological Defense Agency, established in 2022, serves as Sweden’s frontline defense against disinformation. This agency can become a model for other democratic governments in their fight against determined authoritarian adversaries. However, critics argue that such agencies may be ineffective against determined foes.
A History of Information Warfare
The roots of Sweden’s Psychological Defense Agency can be traced back to 1953 when the country, despite its neutrality, feared Soviet domination. The decision to revive its capacity to combat information warfare came after Russia’s seizure of Crimea in 2014, which triggered a wave of disinformation. Sweden, along with other European countries, is concerned about the success of Russia’s propaganda in creating confusion and undermining government policies.
Countering Disinformation
Russia’s disinformation campaigns in Sweden began in 2021 and targeted issues related to social services. False accusations, such as kidnapping Muslim children, created tensions and controversy. The government’s slow response led to the rise of a new political party, Nyans (Nuance), which capitalized on immigrant voters’ concerns. The government has taken steps to counter disinformation, including increasing staff at the Psychological Defense Agency.
The Battle for Truth
The challenge for all democracies lies in preserving freedom of expression while countering disinformation. Sweden’s Psychological Defense Agency is working behind the scenes to raise awareness of foreign interference and provide advice to other government agencies. The agency’s efforts highlight the importance of defending democratic values in the face of information warfare.
