To operationalise this model, the Centre developed The concept of strategic communication and countering disinformation, information manipulation and foreign interference. The document has been approved by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and serves as an invitation and strategic guidance for all democratic forces in the country to align and direct their activity towards the protection of national interests and state security objectives using StratCom tools. In this regard, the Concept establishes the central pillars of communication and sets the key tools and approaches.
Moldova has chosen an innovative approach to information warfare, consolidated around a strategy involving the whole of society (whole-of-the society model), a concept that unites the efforts of the state with those of civil society, academia, the media and even citizens, to turn the entire society into an active participant.
What are the key elements of the "whole-of-society" approach?
An essential feature is the prioritisation of strategic communication, which means that the main objective is not limited to combating occasional falsehoods, but rather extends to generating a constant and open dialogue on topics of national interest:
- European integration;
- social cohesion;
- economic resilience;
- bolstering the defence sector;
- national security in a regional context.
These themes, known as the “5 thematic pillars”, constitute the foundation of information resilience and ensure a comprehensive and coherent response to hybrid threats. This response not only provides accurate information but also strengthens citizens’ trust in the future of Moldova and fosters the creation of social unity.
Furthermore, the Centre places a strong emphasis on media education and the development of critical thinking among the public. Together with its strategic partners, the Centre will initiate educational programs to help citizens recognise manipulation tactics and navigate the information space. Developing these skills directly contributes to strengthening a resilient society, less vulnerable to hostile disinformation campaigns.
At the same time, to ensure that state structures are prepared to face information challenges, the Centre conducts and coordinates training programs for civil servants. This institutional training component is essential to generating a unified and coordinated response at the national level.
With this approach, Moldova does not stop at the classic methods of “fact-checking” or punctual response to fake news. The central objective is to create lasting resilience and an informed society, capable of automatically rejecting malign narratives. Thus, along with information campaigns and the development of media skills, Moldova aims to become a whole-of-society collaboration model, where the state, citizens, media, civil society and academia work together for a safe, democratic and European Moldova.
