Sebastian Schäffer for Fair Observer: “How to Write Disinformation, I Mean, the Truth”

In June 2025, IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer and Research Associate Malwina Talik co-authored the article “Russian Influence in Central Europe Evolves From Disinformation to Democratic Erosion” for Fair Observer. When the piece was finally published, Schäffer remarked on social media: “I could write an article about writing this article.” Fair Observer took him at his word.

In his follow-up contribution, Schäffer warns of a growing trend of self-censorship within media, think tanks, and policy circles. Based on his ongoing research into Russian disinformation, he argues that avoiding clear terms like disinformation undermines democratic discourse. He calls on institutions to resist ambiguity and defend intellectual integrity in the face of rising authoritarian influence.

Read the whole article here.