We are a multi-country team studying the drivers of and responses to information disorder in the Global South. Led by the Principal Investigator Herman Wasserman, and supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), this initiative is a collaboration between researchers and practitioners representing organizations across Sub-Saharan Africa, the MENA region, Latin America, and Asia. The core objectives of this effort are to identify the underlying drivers of information disorders, map effective response strategies, and to critically evaluate their efficacy. Given the intricate interplay of information disorder with socio-political and economic factors, as well as its resonance with historical contexts and broader concerns regarding communication quality within these regions, stakeholders and entities dedicated to combating information disorder are increasingly forging connections between issues like freedom of expression, digital platform access, communication rights, and media literacy in their collective efforts. This research initiative adopts a thematic approach with its primary goal being the formulation of a comprehensive theory of change. This theory will serve as a foundational framework for shaping future policies and governance interventions. In terms of methodology, the project departs from previous desk-based mapping studies and embraces empirical research, employing qualitative methods like focus groups and interviews conducted across the regions. Furthermore, it shifts from merely describing ‘what’ questions to probing ‘how’ and ‘should’ questions, which carry the potential to shape policies, regulations, and legislation.
