Hybrid warfare - How can we protect our information space?

Disinformation, targeted manipulation and psychological influence are key tools in modern hybrid warfare. In today's conflicts, much of the action no longer takes place on the battlefield, but in the information space – the public sphere in which information circulates and opinions are formed: on social networks, in comment sections, on alternative information channels and in algorithmically amplified echo chambers. The battle for public opinion has long since become a key geopolitical factor.

Switzerland is also part of this global information space – open, pluralistic, interconnected. It is precisely this openness that makes our democratic society vulnerable. Whether through orchestrated disinformation campaigns, the targeted dissemination of half-truths, the creation of manipulative counter-publics or attacks on media professionals and editorial systems: the attacks on our information sovereignty are real – and pose a challenge to the state, society and the media alike.

At the same time, research shows that Switzerland has so far had resilient structures with high-quality media and a high level of trust in public information. But the risks are shifting: in addition to disinformation, growing news deprivation – i.e. the declining use of reliable journalistic content, often in favour of casually consumed social media information – is becoming a central challenge for knowledge and political participation.

Protecting the information space is therefore not purely a technical issue, but a task for society as a whole. It begins with credible institutions, extends to high-quality journalism and digital media literacy, and encompasses issues of international cooperation and platform regulation. Resilience in the information space means identifying attacks, classifying them, and countering them with democratic means.

The 23rd SSF Security Talks will therefore focus on the following questions:

• How does hybrid influence work in the information space – and who is behind it?

• How can disinformation be recognised – and how can it be effectively countered?

• What is the connection to increasing news deprivation?

• What role do the media, academia and civil society play in ensuring resilience in the information space?

• What responsibility do the state, politicians and platform operators bear?

• And: How can we strengthen the value of trustworthy information in a time of uncertainty?

We are delighted to welcome the following renowned experts to the 23rd SSF Security Talk:

• Dr. Jean-Marc Rickli, Head of Global and Emerging Risks,Geneva Centre for Security Policy

• Larissa M. Bieler, Director, SWI swissinfo.ch

• Prof. Dr. Mark Eisenegger, Director, Research Centre for Public Sphere and Society, University of Zurich

• Lukas Mäder, Editor Technology & Geopolitics, NZZ

• Prof. Dr. Anna Jobin, University of Fribourg & President of the Federal Media Commission EMEK

The detailed programme for the event can be found at the following link.