Webinar recap

In this webinar we explored the intricate relationship between democracy, media, and the challenges of disinformation in the modern era, particularly within the context of post-truth politics. We focused on the importance of media and journalism in fostering public debate within democratic societies, underlining its crucial role in articulating diverse viewpoints and promoting transparency, vital for democracy’s functioning. Delving into deliberative democracy, the discussion highlighted the significance of inclusive public discourse and critical thinking in navigating complex societal issues.

Examining the impact of disinformation on democratic processes, using the Brexit referendum campaign as a case study, underscored the dangers of echo chambers and the manipulation of public opinion through social media platforms. The role of EU regulations in addressing disinformation and promoting transparency in political advertising was discussed, acknowledging criticisms and limitations of these measures. Further exploration addressed the implications of EU regulations on political discourse and citizen engagement, highlighting challenges in regulating political content while upholding individual rights and democratic principles.

The speakers emphasized the importance of civic education in equipping citizens with the necessary skills to critically engage with media and participate in democratic processes. Advocating for a systemic approach to promoting pluralism, transparency, and accountability in public discourse, they stressed the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to address the multifaceted challenges of post-truth politics. The webinar concluded as a call to action for policymakers, media professionals, and citizens to collaborate in safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes and promoting informed and inclusive public discourse amidst evolving threats posed by disinformation.

Speakers: Dr. Elena García Guitián, Dr. Luis Bouza and Dr. Taru Haapala

Dr. Elena García-Guitián is a Professor of Political Science at the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM). She was the coordinator of the Jean Monnet Network OpenEUDebate (2018-2023). Currently she is a researcher in the Horizon Europe project “Reclaiming Liberal Democracy in the Postfactual Age” RECLAIM (2022-2025).

Dr. Luis Bouza is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the UAM, where he coordinates the research group on Politics and Government in the European Union. He is currently studying the EU regulation of disinformation in the Horizon Europe project RECLAIM (2022-2025).

Dr. Taru Haapala, a specialist in the analysis of political debates, is a Tómas y Valiente research fellow (MIAS-UAM) in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, UAM. Her research interests include the rhetorical uses of knowledge and expertise in European politics. She is participating in the Horizon Europe research project RECLAIM (2022-2025).