Research Methods Workshop: Psychological, Social and Behavioral Approaches to Foreign Information Manipulation & Interference (FIMI) Studies
DE-CONSPIRATOR International Workshop on 3-4 June 2024, VUB, Brussels
The proliferation of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) presents significant challenges to societal cohesion, trust in institutions, and democratic processes. Research methodologies that explore the broader theme of FIMI include surveys, behavioural modelling, psychometric tests, computational ‘big data’ approaches and Artificial Intelligence (AI). To deepen our understanding of the methodological landscape of the scientific study of FIMI and develop effective strategies, we invite researchers of all ranks (PhD candidates to Full Professors, as well as researchers from non-academic research institutes) to contribute to an interdisciplinary workshop.
This event will focus on the micro, meso and macro-level correlates and drivers of FIMI vulnerability and public attitudes related to such tactics. We are also interested in studies that measure and conceptualise its socio-political consequences and its impacts on collective action, societal structures and democratic processes. The primary goal of this workshop is to provide a forum for empirical researchers of information warfare, information manipulation, propaganda, hybrid warfare, and FIMI, with a particular interest in those who study novel and experimental methods. By bringing scholars who explore psychological, behavioural, social, digital, diplomatic and cultural correlates and drivers of FIMI, we seek to produce a tour d'horizon of the most recent research methods used in information manipulation and warfare. We aim to create a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, fostering holistic and multidimensional approaches in understanding and addressing FIMI.
Themes for Submission: We welcome papers that explore, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Political polarisation and identity politics as drivers of FIMI.
- The role of disinformation ecosystems in propagating FIMI.
- Public attitudes towards FIMI and their socio-political consequences.
- The impact of FIMI on trust in institutions and social tensions.
- The interplay between FIMI, strategic corruption and state capture Strategies for mitigating the negative impacts of FIMI on democracy and societal cohesion.
- Methodological approaches in studying FIMI's societal implications.
- Psychological and behavioural correlates of FIMI vulnerability.
- Experimental and emerging methods of big data and AI in the study of FIMI
Submission Guidelines: Abstracts should be no more than 500 words, summarising the paper's objectives, methodology, and key findings. Please include affiliations of the author(s) with contact information. Abstracts or full papers can be submitted via the EasyChair online submission system. All papers must be original and not concurrently submitted to another journal or conference. Selected abstracts will be collected towards a special issue project that will be submitted to a leading scientific journal (to be discussed during the workshop).
Abstract Submission Deadline: 30/04/2024
Additional Information: Selected papers will have the opportunity for publication in a special issue proposal for a peer-reviewed journal or in an edited volume. The workshop will also feature keynote speakers and panel discussions with leading experts in the field. We look forward to your contributions towards a comprehensive understanding of FIMI and its far-reaching implications.
For further information, please visit our website or contact us at alexander.gerganov@csd.bg or tuba.bircan@vub.be. We look forward to receiving your contributions and thank you in advance for your interest in our workshop.
Photo: Matthew Fassnacht by Unsplash
