Introduction
In an increasingly interconnected world, disinformation knows no borders. It targets democracies, regardless of geography or political context, with the intent to destabilize and undermine public trust. This report compares how disinformation and anti-democratic narratives manifest in three key regions: Moldova in Eastern Europe, Taiwan in East Asia, and Nigeria in West Africa. Though vastly different in their histories, political landscapes, and cultural contexts, these countries face a common threat: the weaponization of false information to erode democratic values and processes.
Moldova, a nation navigating post-Soviet influences and geopolitical pressure from Russia, is frequently subjected to narratives designed to weaken its ties to Europe and question its democratic future. Taiwan, positioned at the frontline of geopolitical tensions between China and the West, confronts a different but equally pernicious disinformation environment, where state-sponsored narratives seek to delegitimize its democratic governance. Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, grapples with internal divisions exacerbated by false narratives, many of which manipulate ethnic and religious identities to fuel political unrest.
These three countries were deliberately chosen for their geopolitical significance and their vulnerability to sophisticated disinformation campaigns during their 2023 election cycles. Moldova’s local elections, Taiwan’s presidential campaign, and Nigeria’s general elections all revealed patterns of disinformation tailored to exploit local divisions while reflecting broader global trends in anti-democratic messaging. By examining these regions together, this report sheds light on how disinformation adapts to local contexts while serving a universal goal: the destabilization of democratic governance.
Our methodology involved a cross-regional monitoring of social media platforms, media outlets, and political actors to track the flow of disinformation. We analyzed narratives over key election periods, identifying common themes such as the delegitimization of democratic
institutions, fearmongering about national sovereignty, and the vilification of political figures. Through this comparative framework, we aim to offer both local and global insights into the mechanisms of disinformation, with a view to developing strategies that can strengthen
democratic resilience.
In summary, this report not only exposes the specific vulnerabilities of Moldova, Taiwan, and Nigeria but also reveals how disinformation, though varied in its local manifestations, is a shared global challenge. Understanding these narratives and the actors behind them is critical
for building a coordinated international response in defence of democracy in an age of information warfare.
