Democratic Resilience Against Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Operations: Lessons from Taiwan's Experience

Abstract

The rise of digital platforms has intensified the threat of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), particularly from authoritarian regimes such as China. Unlike misinformation, which can be unintentional, or disinformation, which can remain domestic, FIMI represents coordinated, strategic efforts to undermine democratic institutions and influence political outcomes by foreign actors. For the past decade, Taiwan has been the primary target of FIMI operations by China, facing continuous attempts to manipulate its democratic processes and sway Taiwanese public opinion in favor of unification with China. Despite these persistent challenges, Taiwan has successfully built robust resilience against FIMI through a "whole-of-society" approach involving government, civil society, public media, and academia. This article explores Taiwan's unique experience in countering FIMI, highlighting the strategies and actors involved in its resilience. In examining Taiwan's methods, this article aims to provide valuable insights and lessons that other democracies can apply to protect themselves against similar foreign influence operations.