Countering Authoritarian Influence: Research & Communications in Hard-to-Reach Areas

​As we approach the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, what have we learned about Russian audiences? How can we effectively combine technological capabilities and local expertise to cut through Kremlin disinformation with precision?

​To explore these questions, OpenMinds invites you to a closed, informal event, where we will share insights drawn from OpenMinds’ sociological and big data research, as well as real-world experience in combating propaganda.

We will discuss effective strategies for countering authoritarian narratives and enhancing strategic communication in hard-to-reach areas.

Key topics include:

• ​Strategies for reaching and understanding audiences in hard-to-reach areas.

• ​Lessons learned from testing 60 counter-propaganda narratives.

• ​Data-driven approaches to engaging audiences in closed regimes.

• ​Methods for assessing the effectiveness of counter-propaganda campaigns.

​Speakers:

Sviatoslav Hnizdovskiy — CEO and Founder of OpenMinds, a cognitive defence tech company dedicated to countering authoritarian influence in the fight for free and open societies.

Peter Pomerantsev — senior fellow at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, focusing on combating digital-era disinformation and polarization. Peter authored several books on Russian and authoritarian propaganda, including Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible, This Is Not Propaganda, How to Win an Information War: The Propagandist Who Outwitted Hitler.

Moderated by:
Valeria Kovtun – Strategic Partnerships Lead at OpenMinds. She founded and led Filter, Ukraine’s first governmental media literacy initiative, and has shaped national strategies for countering FIMI, working with governments, international organisations, and the media sector.

Following the discussion, we welcome you to join us for an informal networking session over drinks.

The venue details will be shared with confirmed participants three days before the event. The location will be in central Brussels.