The report ‘Narratives of Division: Mapping Identity-Based Disinformation in Albania – Monitoring of Albania’s Information Ecosystem (2022–2025)’ analyses how narratives targeting identity, including gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation, are increasingly used in disinformation campaigns to deepen polarisation and undermine trust in institutions.
The research is based on the monitoring of Albania’s information ecosystem between 2022 and 2025, examining online media content, social media discourse and coordinated narratives that target identity-related issues. The analysis aims to identify key actors, recurring narratives and patterns of amplification within the country’s information environment.
The study highlights how identity-based disinformation operates as a powerful tool within contemporary information manipulation strategies. Rather than relying solely on factual falsehoods, such narratives often exploit existing social prejudices and stereotypes in order to mobilise emotions, reinforce group divisions and influence political debates. Research shows that these narratives can have broader consequences for democratic participation, social cohesion and the safety of targeted communities.
According to the report, identity-based disinformation campaigns frequently weaponise issues related to gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation in order to provoke hostility against specific groups while simultaneously undermining democratic institutions. By amplifying polarising narratives and framing social issues as existential threats, such campaigns contribute to the erosion of trust in democratic processes and public debate.
The report also emphasises that identity-focused narratives are commonly used within broader information manipulation strategies, including foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). These operations often combine misleading narratives with coordinated tactics such as impersonation of media outlets, fabricated documents and coordinated amplification across social media platforms in order to increase their reach and credibility.
Through its analysis, the report aims to contribute to a better understanding of how identity-based narratives are used in disinformation campaigns and to support efforts by civil society, journalists and institutions to strengthen resilience against such threats.
The publication forms part of BIRN Albania’s broader work on monitoring disinformation, analysing information manipulation trends and supporting evidence-based responses to emerging challenges in the information environment. The research was supported by the European Union Delegation to Albania.
For an English copy of the report click here.
For an Albanian copy of the report click here.