DISINFORMATION IN SWEDEN
DISINFORMATION IN SWEDEN

Author(s): Author Not Specified
Subject(s): Media studies, Governance, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy, Politics and communication
Published by: NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
Keywords: Sweden; National Defence Policy; re-militarization; NATO; media; disinformation; island of Gotland;
Summary/Abstract: In June 2015, a Swedish government proposition for a new National Defence Policy 2016-2020 triggered a nation-wide debate about rebuilding Sweden’s “total defence” capacity and the remilitarisation of the strategically important island of Gotland. During this domestic debate, a report by a US think tank also stimulated pro-NATO narratives, alleging that Sweden was not able to defend itself against a qualified opponent without NATO support. Joining the debate, Sputnik published an English-language news article which directly accused Sweden of preparing to fire missiles from Gotland Island. The article used statements from the Governor of Gotland and a well-known military commentator, but removed context, and mistranslated and distorted their remarks. Sputnik did not quote the original source, but instead referred to third-party sources in different languages. This Sputnik article provides a typical example of the systematic means by which Swedish domestic media debates are used as part of wider influence strategies by pro-Russian actors.

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