The current information environment poses risks not just from adversary-driven disinformation but increasingly from allied partners disseminating false narratives. A recent instance involves Trump-aligned accounts sharing misinformation about France and suggesting that Greenland join the U.S. to counteract potential Russian or Chinese threats. This spread of misinformation weakens trust among allies, complicating coordination, especially for middle powers like Australia.
Historically, Russian-linked media have engaged in information operations against Western nations, but now U.S. accounts are reinforcing misleading narratives about European countries, which could suggest a decline in their strategic relevance. To combat this, France established the French Service for Vigilance and Protection against Foreign Digital Interference (VIGINUM) to monitor and counter disinformation impacting both its own ecosystem and its partners.
France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs initiated training for diplomats in narrative engagement, using humor and irony through a social media account, French Response, to correct misinformation creatively. French prosecutors also targeted online entities to address political interference, reinforcing regulations on platforms like X.
For middle powers like Australia, the dynamics present a strategic dilemma, as traditional alliances may be undermined by misinformation. Australia must navigate this landscape where disinformation erodes trust among allies and complicates strategic planning. The article advocates for comprehensive monitoring of friendly ecosystems and a coordinated, fact-based rebuttal to misinformation, emphasizing the use of humor in these communications.
Allied messaging should reconnect with core partnership values, such as burden-sharing. Middle powers can contribute to strengthening information resilience by sharing strategies and experiences. Instead of questioning their dependence on the U.S., they should leverage their collective diplomatic voice to reinforce alliance solidarity.
