WASHINGTON, DC – Information manipulation campaigns are increasingly being used as tools to undermine democratic institutions, erode public trust, and exploit social and political divisions in the South Caucasus and Eastern European countries. These efforts often involve the spread of false narratives, manipulation of public opinion, and interference in key democratic processes, including elections. Such activities not only threaten the stability and security of these nations but also highlight the growing regional challenge of combating information manipulation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.   

To address these issues, the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab and the Info Ops Poland Foundation are continuing their partnership and launching Module II of a project supported by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Public Diplomacy 2024-2025 – European Dimension and Countering Disinformation grant. The project focuses on strengthening the capabilities of local stakeholders in Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia in identifying and countering domestic and foreign information manipulations. The project also aims to identify and expose hostile influence campaigns, as well as pinpoint information threats that undermine the integrity of the information landscape.  

In Module I, both organizations published a body of research documenting a wide range of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) employed by hostile actors to undermine democratic processes in project countries. This work culminated in final reports providing an overview of the information space in Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, and Armenia. 

Building on this work, Module II will further address the complexity and evolving nature of information warfare in these regions, highlighting the need for sustained collaboration. The upcoming research goes beyond exposing individual campaigns, offering a blueprint for countering disinformation strategies that threaten democratic progress. By strengthening local expertise, this phase aims to mitigate immediate threats and foster a more informed, resilient society.