Compared to the efforts of Vladimir Putin’s Russia, Beijing’s political influence operations in Europe have received little attention. However, the Chinese Communist Party’s influence campaigns pose a challenge to liberal democracy as well as Europe’s values and interests. An extensive report, recently published by Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer and Paul Charon (Institute for Strategic Research of the Ecole Militaire, Paris), has mapped out the global influence efforts of the CCP. The report, which is likely the most extensive analysis of China’s propaganda machine ever published in France, covers the entire spectrum of influence, from the most benign (public diplomacy) to the most malicious interference (clandestine activities).
On the occasion of the publication of the English edition (Chinese influence operations – a Machiavelli moment), The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) and the Institut français des Pays-Bas have the pleasure to invite you to a discussion with the authors and additional experts from Europe.
This online event will analyze the toolset deployed by China across different arenas (political and economic elites; media and public opinion, and civil society and academia). The panel will reflect on the effects of Chinese political influencing efforts on American and European elite and public opinion, and finally, explore response options both at the national and European level.
- HCSS panelists Louk Faesen and Lotje Boswinkel published reports on the phenomena in Red Lines & Baselines: Towards a European Multistakeholder Approach to Counter Disinformation and Influencing in the Military Context: a Behavioral Approach to Information Manoeuvre (upcoming).
- French Ambassador to the Netherlands Luis Vassy will provide opening remarks, and HCSS Deputy Director Michel Rademaker will moderate the discussion.
Program
Opening remarks:
Luis Vassy, French Ambassador to the Netherlands
Panelists
- Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer, director IRSEM at the French Ministry for the Armed Forces
- Paul Charon, Director for Intelligence, Strategic Foresight, and Hybrid Threats at IRSEM
- Louk Faesen, Strategic Analyst at the Cyber Policy and Resilience Program, HCSS
- Lotje Boswinkel, Strategic Analyst on Information Manoeuvre, HCSS
- Joris Teer, Strategic Analyst on China’s foreign policy, HCSS
Moderation: Michel Rademaker, Deputy Executive Director and co-founder (HCSS)
Registration:
Sign up for the online seminar through Eventbrite here.
