FIMI

Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference

For as long as conflicts have taken place, information has shaped outcomes on and beyond the battlefield. Today, the rise of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and evolving insights from cognitive psychology have only amplified the role of information in conflict. Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) has emerged as a persistent and increasingly sophisticated threat, blurring the line between wartime and peacetime, between military targets and civilian societies.

From online disinformation campaigns to covert influence operations, FIMI exploits the openness of our information environment to destabilize, divide, and distort. To better understand this challenge, HCSS research aims to strengthen resilience, foster informed debate, and advance collective understanding of how information is (mis)used in the modern era.

HCSS FIMI Research

Catch up on all HCSS research on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI)

Behavior-Oriented Operations in the Military Context

From Blurred Lines to Red Lines: How Countermeasures and Norms Shape Hybrid Conflict | Countering ISIS Propaganda in Conflict Theatres

From Blurred Lines to Red Lines: How Countermeasures and Norms Shape Hybrid Conflict | Responding to Russian Disinformation in Peacetime

From Blurred Lines to Red Lines: How Countermeasures and Norms Shape Hybrid Conflict

Hybrid Conflict: Neither war, nor peace

Hoe beschermen wij ons tegen Russische desinformatie?

Beyond the Cold War of Words

About our FIMI programme

The HCSS research on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) comprises of a number of products including papers and media.

Evasive information in the Military Context

The development of evasive information and communications technologies bear far-reaching consequences, also for military organisations. In information warfare, non-kinetic, information-based capabilities are employed to target human cognition, seeking changes in attitudes, perceptions and behaviour by manipulating the flow of information. As influencing efforts have grown, Western military organisations are shifting their attention to focus on information-based capabilities. In this rapidly evolving information environment, armed forces are faced with a myriad of questions and dilemmas.

The purpose of this platform

We have brought together international experts and practitioners with both military and non-military backgrounds to explore, discuss, build and share knowledge on information-based behavioural influencing in the military context. This platform provides a space for experts and practitioners to examine and dissect the ethical, legal and military-strategic issues and boundaries that are involved.

HCSS Experts – FIMI

Michel Rademaker

Deputy Director

Laura Jasper

Strategic Analyst

Björn de Heer