Project: RECLAIM

Author: Maximilian Conrad

This discussion paper outlines the RECLAIM project’s ideal-typical understanding of the post-truth condition. Such an ideal-typical understanding is necessary as a heuristic device for the empirical analysis of the various phenomena that – collectively and through their interplay – constitute the post-truth phenomenon. Moreover, an …

Project: RECLAIM

• The independence and freedom of the media must be safeguarded by protecting professional journalism from unrestrained market forces and negative state interference. The EU has a special role to play in securing this aim.
• The EU should provide funding opportunities for media that uphold high standards of reporting, …

Project: RECLAIM

• The most prominent narratives put forward on migration and border policy in a number of European parliaments (Italy, Poland, Germany, Austria, European Parliament) have not only become more hostile towards migrants but are increasingly disconnected from facts and evidence-based knowledge.
• By their own account, mainstream politicians have a …

Project: RECLAIM

• Disinformation as a Democratic Threat and the Need for a Holistic Response: The EU views disinformation not just as misleading content, but as a systemic threat to its core democratic values—democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In response, it has adopted a comprehensive and evolving strategy …

Project: RECLAIM

• Citizenship education in Europe constitutes a mosaic of different national and subnational approaches. In order to empower citizens against a manipulative media and information environment, more and better coordination at the EU level is necessary while at the same time respecting national and subnational competences in the area …

Project: RECLAIM

• The EU has to develop sufficient capabilities to defend its interests and project its values on the international stage even under post-truth conditions. Developing effective digital diplomacy skills and capabilities is an indispensable part of this effort. This should entail coordinated communication efforts to build a community of …

Project: RECLAIM

• Disinformation campaigns on social media are aimed at disrupting liberal democracies, creating distrust amongst citizens in their democratic institutions and intensifying political/affective polarisation.
• The spread of disinformation and ‘fake news’ – particularly on social media – undermines the public sphere and severely inhibits the ability of citizens to …

Project: RECLAIM

Authors: Taru Haapala and Juan Roch

ecent research on the EU institutional response to post-truth politics has shown a gradual shift of focus from external threats to internal democratic challenges, including populist parties and elections. The case of Spain is particularly relevant as the country’s “disinformation landscape” has …