Knowledge supply chains in an age of truth decay: The role of encyclopedias (Conference paper)

Abstract

Our information sphere—the space where we not only express our opinions, but where we also form our opinions—is facing significant challenges. The core trends of »truth decay«— growing disagreement about facts; blurred lines between opinion and fact; increasing influence of opinion over fact; and declining trust in formerly respected sources of factual information—have become increasingly evident in the strategic and systemic dilution and distortion of information that contribute to increasing fragmentation of society, deepening already existing divisions. Over the past three years, growing geopolitical tension and asymmetric warfare have further increased the visibility of and focus on the weaponisation of information and, by implication, the weaknesses of our collective cognitive security. Societal and economic repercussions of the pandemic and the accompanying »infodemic«, the accelerated geopolitical competition, as well as recent domestic political violence in the USA and—most recently—Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, have increased the sense of urgency to defend and reinvigorate the information ecosystems that form the core of our liberal democracies, enabling everyone to not only express their opinions, but also to form their opinions, to make informed choices without being manipulated. Against this backdrop, the strategic importance of strengthening our knowledge supply chains is growing. Reinvigorating already existing components of our shared information sphere—including national verified encyclopedias—can help boost collective cognitive resilience against information manipulation, both in and beyond Europe. The external face of such investments can contribute to developing new aspects of European knowledge diplomacy, promoting and projecting European democratic values and freedoms in third countries.