Sweden did not stand still as waves of disinformation swept its country. In response to ongoing disinformation attempts, the Swedish government launched the Psychological Defense Agency. This agency, a new creation of the Ministry of Defense, resolutely opposes foreign information attacks.
Sweden's strategy against disinformation is not new. We learn about the strategies of the Scandinavians from a report in the New York Times It builds on tactics from the Cold War, when the country prepared for a possible “total war” with the Soviet Union. Today, however, the focus is more on Russia. There is evidence that Russia has attempted to damage Sweden's reputation online, particularly in the context of its potential NATO membership.
Russia's alleged role in Swedish affairs
Recent events have escalated the situation. The agency accuses Russia of exploiting protests in Sweden during which copies of the Koran were burned. This approach led to delays in Sweden's NATO membership efforts, particularly due to objections from Turkey.
But Northern Europeans are not alone, it is a global fight! France and other nations have adopted similar defenses against disinformation. However, Sweden's unique approach could serve as a blueprint for other democratic nations. Russia's incursion into Ukraine has not only changed the geopolitical landscape but has also put Sweden in its sights.
Tolerance versus information protection
In democracies, how to deal with disinformation without compromising freedom of expression is an ongoing debate. It's a balancing act: on the one hand, respecting the traditions of free expression and on the other hand, protecting the country from harmful disinformation.
It's a challenge that Sweden and other democracies face is exactly that: distinguishing truth from falsehood without imposing an official ideology. Because, as Hanna Linderstål, cybersecurity expert, noted in New York Times reporting, “The government cannot control the truth and remain democratic at the same time.”
Sweden's history with disinformation
The roots of Sweden's efforts to combat disinformation go back far. As early as 1953, Sweden was confronted with Soviet propaganda. After the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its waves of disinformation, Scandinavians have recognized the need to take stronger action against information warfare.
Since its inception, the Psychological Defense Agency has experienced a spate of disinformation campaigns targeting Sweden. Many of these attempts exploit existing political and social tensions in the country, such as the status of immigrants and religious minorities.
Defense against hybrid warfare
Propaganda, disinformation and psychological warfare are part of hybrid warfare to influence public opinion. This can be used both within your own population and internationally. Hybrid warfare is often difficult to combat because it does not always have clear fronts or obvious actions. Its versatility and flexibility make it a preferred tactic for actors seeking asymmetric advantages over more powerful opponents.
From this perspective, Sweden has recognized that the “brain is the battlefield” when it comes to disinformation and propaganda. The country has taken proactive steps to defend itself while protecting democracy. It remains to be seen how effective such strategies will be in the future.

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