PSSI Contributes to a New EU-Funded Project Tackling Conspiracy Theories and Supporting Democratic Resilience
14 Apr 2025/PSSI
The Prague Security Studies Institute (PSSI) is proud to be part of a new Horizon Europe project titled Tackling Conspiracy Theories by Fostering Resilience and Political Self-Efficacy in Democracies (TaCT-FoRSED). This international initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium led by the University of Passau, brings together research and educational institutions across Europe to address the growing challenge of conspiracy theories and their impact on democratic societies.
TaCT-FoRSED aims to close the research gap between identity formation, democracy, and conspiracy narratives. It explores how belief in conspiracy theories undermines democratic processes and fosters harmful, anti-democratic identities. The project investigates the ways these narratives gain traction and seeks to identify factors that either reinforce or weaken societal resilience. Through a combination of research and targeted educational materials (Open Educational Resources – OER), TaCT-FoRSED promotes democratic self-efficacy and identity as a proactive countermeasure. A key element of the project is the development of concrete policy recommendations to strengthen democratic participation and the legitimacy of democratic institutions.
Within the project, PSSI leads Working Package 6, which focuses on policy engagement and long-term resilience through education. This work package aims to inform and encourage national policy responses to the threat posed by conspiracy narratives. Its objectives include evaluating current policies, developing research-based recommendations for policy makers, and educating future decision-makers through initiatives like the Information Security Academy. As part of this effort, PSSI coordinates activities such as roundtables with stakeholders, an international policy meeting in Prague, and the creation of a joint white paper. In addition to leading this work package, PSSI also contributes to other parts of the project and works closely with consortium partners throughout the implementation process.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.