Distinguished Lecture Series: Addressing Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference: Latvian Experience (March 21, 2024) > KUJMCE Distinguished Lecture Series

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The lecture entitled “Addressing Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference: Latvian Experience” took place in Room 115 of the Korea University’s International Studies Hall on the 21^st of March 2024. Mr. Viktors Makarovs, the Special Envoy on Digital Issues, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, addressed his country's experience in dealing with the spread of disinformation. Professor Jae-Seung Lee, Director of Ilmin International Relations Institute (IIRI), Jean Monnet EU Center at Korea University, who hosted the lecture, remarked, “The dissemination of false information is a global concern that demands attention. We organized this event to raise awareness, especially among students who are increasingly reliant on social media."

Mr. Makarovs highlighted the severity of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) by Russia in Latvia. He cited examples such as Latvia being portrayed as a 'failed country and economy,' accusations of discrimination against Russian speakers, and allegations of being a 'puppet of the United States.' As an illustration of Russian FIMI tactics, Mr. Makarovs referenced the digital platform 'Portal Kombat,' which, according to analysis by the French digital surveillance agency VIGINUM, targets Western countries. The platform glorifies Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a 'special military operation' while disparaging Ukraine and its leaders. Mr. Makarovs warned that the problem of false information dissemination will worsen with technological advancements.

Mr. Makarovs also outlined Latvia's collaborative efforts with NATO and the EU to address FIMI. He explained, “Latvia cooperates with other nations to institutionally counter FIMI." He mentioned the 'NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence,' based in Latvia, which brings together experts from various countries to address the evolving information landscape. Additionally, Latvia advocates for combating false information dissemination within the EU, and initiatives such as the 'Artificial Intelligence Act' and the 'Digital Service Act' are underway.

During the Q&A session, Raoul Moroder (Graduate School of International Studies) queried, “How do we discern truth when academic opinions diverge, such as in the debate over COVID-19 vaccine efficacy?" Mr. Makarovs replied, “Most vaccine skeptics distrust science or medical services in general. In such cases, we should prioritize the scientifically grounded position."

At the end of the lecture, His Excellency Aris Vīgants, the Latvian Ambassador to Korea, underscored the importance of Latvia and Korea's shared democratic values, expressing hope for increased academic exchanges. Seungyoon Shin (Chinese ’20, College of Liberal Arts) remarked, “It was enlightening to hear Latvia's perspective on Russia’s dissemination of false information, a topic I was previously unfamiliar with."