Small-State Influence in EU Security Governance: Unveiling Latvian Lobbying Against Disinformation

Abstract

Counter-disinformation policies have become a prominent subject of study in Europe. The story of their early development in the European Union (EU) reveals the surprising influence of small states, in particular Latvia. This article exposes how, as a first mover in a growing coalition of like-minded states, Latvia shaped the development of counter-disinformation policies in the EU starting with the creation of the East StratCom Task Force (ESTF) in 2015. This has had a significant impact on the governance of disinformation, providing valuable lessons for the study of small states' influence in the EU. Building on 30 interviews with policy-makers, this case study demonstrates that utilising the Council Presidency can be a fruitful strategy for small states seeking to make a mark on EU security governance, with a plethora of examples as to how they can get other states and institutions on board, thereby securing long-lasting leverage.