Brno will welcome experts on disinformation, hoaxes and pro-Kremlin propaganda from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Moldova and Transnistria. On 23-24 May, the experts will take part in a conference where they will present a collection of texts titled Characteristics of pro-Kremlin propaganda in Central and Eastern Europe and practical examples how to tackle it. They will present their contributions to students of Masaryk University, which will host the event. In addition, several journalists from Eastern Partnership countries will also participate.
How to defend effectively from pro-Kremlin propaganda, hoaxes and disinformation? And on the other hand, what does not work? Experts on the topics will try to answer these questions during a two-day conference that will start on 23 May by presentations of the experience from Ukraine (Mikhaylo Samus), Moldova (Cristina Mogildea) and the disputed territory lying between them – Transnistria (Alyona Marchkova). Experts from the Czech Republic (Jonáš Syrovátka) and Slovakia (Juraj Smatana) will follow up with their contributions. During the second day, a Polish academic Jerzy Targalski and a researcher from Hungary Beatrix Tölgyesi will complete the overview. In conclusion, and an interactive discussion of the panelists with the audience will take place in the format of so-called World Café.
The speakers will present their contributions gathered in a new collection titled Characteristics of pro-Kremlin propaganda in Central and Eastern Europe and practical examples how to tackle it. The collection is published by NESEHNUTI in English and Russian languages. It will serve as an information material for civic initiatives, journalists and everyone interested in the countries of Eastern Partnership and Visegrad. Apart from the printed version, the publication is be available also in an electronic format.
“In NESEHNTUTÍ, we support civic initiatives in Ukraine and South Caucasus, that is in regions which are confronted with pro-Kremlin propaganda in their information space very intensively. Understanding this phenomenon and sharing experience how to tackle its influence is, in our opinion, necessary for further development of strong and critically thinking civil society,” says Pavla Hofmeisterová from NESEHNUTÍ, who prepared the concept of the publication and conference.
And she adds: “The individual texts in the collection show that approaches and mechanisms used by pro-Kremlin propaganda throughout the countries of Visegrad and Eastern Partnership are very similar. At the same time, it proves to be key that a wider specter of actors take part in strengthening social resilience against the impact of propaganda. These actors should share their experience regardless of borders. We are therefore happy to welcome representatives from academic sphere, non-profit sector as well as independent journalists from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.”
Participation in the conference is possible only after prior registration and confirmation at the email address pavel.rumbur@nesehnuti.cz. The conference takes place in English and Russian languages and will be interpreted consecutively.
Contact:
Pavla Hofmeisterová, NESEHNUTÍ, pavla@nesehnuti.cz
Attachment:
Invitation to the conference: “Characteristics of pro-Kremlin propaganda in Central and Eastern Europe and practical examples how to tackle it”
Links:
Publication “Characteristics of pro-Kremlin propaganda in Central and Eastern Europe and practical examples how to tackle it” can be downloaded at: http://nesehnuti.cz/nabidka
Publication of the collection of texts and the conference were financially supported by International Visegrad Fund and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.