COUNTERING DISINFORMATION: SPAIN’S PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN PROTECTING NATIONAL SECURITY

Sabina Tuyakbay

Farabi Journal of Social Sciences, 2026

Full text Open access: Gold Metadata (CSL-JSON)
DOI 10.26577/fjss20251145
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

Purpose. This article examines Spain’s public diplomacy measures aimed at countering disinformation and safeguarding national security. It critically assesses whether Spain’s current reliance on state-led institutions, multilateral cooperation, and civil society initiatives is adequate for addressing contemporary foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). Design/methodology/approach. The study employs a qualitative research design based on document and policy analysis of open-access empirical reports, national strategic documents, and peer-reviewed literature published between 2017 and 2025. The methodology includes triangulation of public opinion survey data and a comparative evaluation of institutional responses. In addition, two descriptive quantitative techniques—trend comparison and cross-national benchmarking—are applied using publicly available survey indicators. Findings. The findings indicate that disinformation represents a major concern for Spanish society, with approximately 70–83% of respondents identifying it as a significant threat, depending on the year and data source. While Spain demonstrates a degree of domestic resilience through established public diplomacy mechanisms, persistent vulnerabilities remain. These vulnerabilities are intensified by social media dynamics, AI-enhanced disinformation, and crisis-driven amplification effects. Existing tools show strengths in detection and awareness-raising but face limitations related to the speed of strategic communication, regulatory clarity, and long-term investment in digital literacy. Originality. The article contributes to the literature on public diplomacy and national security by providing a comprehensive, up-to-date assessment of Spain’s counter-disinformation framework. By integrating institutional analysis with public opinion data and cross-national benchmarks, the study offers a nuanced evaluation of public diplomacy effectiveness in the context of evolving information threats. Key words: Public diplomacy, misinformation, national security, information disorder.