Democracy depends on informed citizens. Yet, disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) are increasingly distorting public debate and undermining trust in democratic institutions. As more political conversations move to social media, influencers and content creators have become some of the most important actors in shaping how millions of people consume, interpret, and share information.
Against this backdrop, Aspen Germany has selected the first cohort of Digital Defenders: Influencers for Digital Democracy. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented in cooperation with Aspen Kyiv, Aspen Romania, and Aspen Central Europe, the initiative brings together 18 influencers and content creators from 10 countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and the United States. While they represent different platforms, audiences, and areas of expertise, they share a common commitment to strengthening democratic discourse and building resilience against disinformation.
Over the coming months, the cohort will take part in online workshops and study trips to Berlin and Bucharest, engage with leading experts and senior policy makers, and work through a simulation of an EU response to a coordinated foreign information manipulation campaign. Their insights and experiences will culminate in a joint publication on hybrid threats, contributing to the broader policy debate on democratic resilience.
