Societal resilience during crises - how the Romanian society fared during the pandemic and the war in Ukraine

Abstract

The present paper explores the dynamics of societal resilience to disinformation during periods of significant shocks, such as war, political unrest, and public health emergencies. Utilising a comprehensive framework, rooted in Euro-Atlantic conceptual approaches, regulations, and strategic policies, we analyse how various factors - such as media literacy, social cohesion, trust in institutions, and the robustness of information ecosystems - contribute to a society's ability to withstand and manage the spread of false information. Through the case study on Romanian society facing two of the decade's greatest shocks, we hope to contribute to the broader discourse on disinformation by exploring the role of governmental and non-governmental initiatives in enhancing media literacy and fostering a resilient public sphere. The main goals of the paper are to provide informed insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and community leaders aiming to build more informed and resilient communities in the face of disinformation.

Keywords

• resilience
• disinformation
• crises
• romania
• pandemic
• war