Enescan Lorci is a Ph.D. Candidate and Research Assistant at the Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Taiwan. His research investigates the profound impact of emerging technologies on international relations, with a focus on governance, security dynamics, and information manipulation. Enescan has presented his work at numerous international conferences and has published in reputable academic journals. His current research examines China’s information operations in Taiwan and their implications for democratic resilience, aiming to provide valuable insights into the intersection of technology and global politics.

‍

LinkedIn

Twitter/X: @lorci_enescan

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