| Abstract [eng] |
This master’s thesis examines how Lithuania and Finland perceive disinformation and respond to it, arguing that their diverging strategies stem from different foundations of ontological security shaped by distinct historical experiences and varying forms of self-narrative formation. Ontological security is closely linked to a sense of identity, stability, and predictability at both the individual and state levels. Despite the fact that Lithuania and Finland face similar Russian disinformation tactics and belong to the same Euro-Atlantic security structures, their strategies for responding to disinformation differ. The existing literature lacks explanations of how the different foundations of ontological security in these states, shaped by historical experiences and identity narratives, determine differing perceptions of the disinformation threat and the chosen response strategies. The objective of this study is to analyze how the foundations of ontological security in Lithuania and Finland, shaped by different historical experiences and identity narratives, determine differing assessments of disinformation threats, the identification of objects to be protected, and the chosen response strategies. Thesis – The differences in Lithuania’s and Finland’s responses to disinformation are determined by different foundations of ontological security, which shape unequal perceptions of threats, the identification of objects to be protected, and response strategies. The objectives and research design of this study are: 1. To analyze theoretical approaches to ontological security and construct an analytical model for the study. 2. To identify the dominant narratives of Finnish national identity, their historical origins, and their significance in shaping modern ontological security. 3. To analyze how Finnish institutions and the political elite construct the threat of disinformation and shape the logic of response. 4. To identify the dominant narratives of Lithuanian national identity, their historical origins, and their significance in shaping modern ontological security. 5. Analyze how Lithuanian institutions and the political elite construct the threat of disinformation and shape the logic of response. 6. Compare the construction of the disinformation threat and response strategies in Lithuania and Finland, explaining the differences on the basis of ontological security. Theoretical Approach – Based on the theory of ontological security, this study assumes that states’ historical experiences shape autobiographical narratives and the foundations of ontological security, which influence the perception of threats, the identification of objects to be protected, and the selection of response strategies. By emphasizing the systems of basic trust and autobiographical narratives described by Jennifer Mitzen and Brent J. Steel, it will be possible to explain how the perception of threats and the logic of response to disinformation are formed. Methodology – this study was based on a qualitative comparative case study aimed at comparing Lithuanian and Finnish disinformation threats and response strategies from an ontological security perspective. The research results show that, although both countries share structural similarities in their responses to disinformation, for examples recognising the importance of media literacy and developing strategic communication mechanisms — the application of these tools differs significantly. Despite relying on similar policy instruments, Lithuania and Finland employ them in distinct ways shaped by their differing ontological security foundations. |
