How do we define and perceive threats? Disinformation cooperation platform explores the link between securitisation and information disorder

On 28 April, the Disinformation Cooperation Platform hosted a seminar titled “Security and Disinformation” at the University of Tartu Institute of Social Studies. The event focused on how social and linguistic processes shape perceptions of security and how the risks posed by disinformation can be assessed. Key presentations were delivered by Professor of Sociology Kairi Kasearu and Visiting Professor of Security Politics Arnold Sinisalu.

Threat perception in society is shaped through interactions among various actors. Specific phenomena or events are identified and framed as threats to particular groups. This process is typically led by elites, yet the audience plays a crucial role, as their approval is necessary to establish a shared understanding. To mobilise public attention and action, threat rhetoric is employed, often referencing issues that resonate historically or culturally with the majority. "Context is an intervening variable that can steer the securitisation process in one direction or another," noted Professor Kairi Kasearu.

Sociologists’ role is to analyse the underlying social mechanisms that drive securitisation and measure public approval. By examining public opinion, media discourses, and discussions on social media, researchers can identify whether and why securitisation efforts succeed or fail. According to Kasearu, this understanding can help anticipate more complex social dynamics, such as polarisation, radicalisation, and militarisation.

In his presentation, Visiting Professor Arnold Sinisalu drew a distinction between the concepts of security and safety. According to Sinisalu, safety functions as an umbrella term, encompassing both public order and societal stability on the one hand, and the often-classified activities that ensure national security on the other. "The concept of safety can be used in both broad and narrow contexts. However, the term 'security' may be misleading in everyday contexts, such as 'food security' or 'energy security'. We are truly dealing with security when a theoretical threat begins to materialise—when it becomes tangible," he explained.

Situations concerning societal peace and safety can escalate into security issues. One such escalating factor, Sinisalu argued, is disinformation. Hostile false narratives erode public trust in the state and may lay the groundwork for military aggression.

Sinisalu also emphasized the growing risks posed by technological development. "Artificial intelligence now translates into Estonian so well that it's nearly impossible to tell that the original text was written in another language," he said. The increasingly accessible technology for producing deepfake videos presents further challenges and could lead to concrete threats in the near future. Timely detection of such threats is a key responsibility of the Estonian Internal Security Service and the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service. Additionally, media and information literacy are essential competencies also in other fields such as communications and education.