Psychological Defence: Concepts and principles for the 2020s

Foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) is not a new
phenomenon. Since the end of the Second World War, when Sweden seriously began to work with psychological defense to respond to various forms of hybrid threats, the issue has been prevalent and developing. This groundwork report not just portraits the evolution of Sweden’s psychological defence from the 1950s to its accentuated relevance in today’s era, the authors also highlight how modern psychological defence differs from previous forms. While there are clear connections to the historical approach, essential differences such as threats in the digital domain and the importance of
increased international cooperation are emphasized.

The reports main contribution, however, concerns outlining how the
concept of psychological defence has developed over the years, where it stands today, and not least future challenges. This is an area that has needed development in recent years, not just for its own sake but also because it provides a base and a structure for future development. The authors presentation of psychological defence in the form of four principles (resilience, threat intelligence, deterrence, and strategic communication) constitutes a promising theoretical contribution to the field, and perhaps also the foundation
for a practical framework.