This report offers an initial assessment of how emerging technologies— particularly artificial intelligence, deepfakes, bots, and algorithmic amplification—are accelerating the scope and scale of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) operations and cognitive warfare. It explores how state and non-state actors are weaponizing digital platforms and information ecosystems to shape public opinion, polarize societies, and undermine trust in democratic institutions across the transatlantic space.
Drawing on a wide range of publicly available sources, including government strategies, intelligence assessments, academic research, investigative journalism, and civil society reports, this report examines the evolving threat landscape posed by foreign information operations. It identifies key patterns, vulnerabilities, and the rapidly growing role of emerging technologies in enabling malign influence campaigns. To deepen our understanding, we also conducted interviews with leading experts. These conversations provided critical insights into the real-world impact of FIMI, gaps in national and international responses, and the urgent need for transatlantic coordination.
By combining rigorous desk research with expert perspectives, this report aims to inform policy discussions around how Canada, Germany, the European Union, and NATO can respond more effectively to this multidimensional security challenge. At stake is the resilience of democratic societies and the credibility of the information space on which they rely.
The full report and the launch is available in below.
