Understanding the factors facilitating pro-Russian disinformation in Slovakia: a qualitative case study of expert perspectives

Using a qualitative case study approach, this research examines the societal factors in Slovakia that contribute to its receptivity to pro-Russian disinformation. The study synthesises themes from interviews with 21 subject-matter experts in disinformation and a structured literature review. The study finds that Slovakia's relatively high receptivity to disinformation compared to many other countries within Central and Eastern Europe may be tied to problematic state relations and trust, a lack of education and media literacy, and strong pro-Russian sentiments. Given that the current Slovak government participates in, and benefits from, pro-Russian disinformation, it is unlikely to build institutional programmes and policies against it. Short of government efforts to improve societal resilience and provide a clear stance on Russian relations, the combination of current reforms to Slovak school curricula and recent EU regulation of social media for teenagers may contribute to a generational shift toward Slovakia's increased resilience to pro-Russian disinformation.