Strategic Communication in Hybrid Threat Contexts
Study Course Implementer
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
Preliminary Knowledge
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Students will possess a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental theories of media and communication, particularly as they apply to the dynamic and complex context of hybrid threats. They will be able to critically engage with and synthesize key concepts related to strategic communication, recognizing the multifaceted nature of hybrid threats and their implications for national and international security. Students will gain insights into the ethical dimensions of communication in crisis situations, learning to apply communication strategies that consider the diverse needs and perspectives of various societal groups.
Skills
1.Strategic Communication Planning: Ability to design and implement comprehensive communication strategies tailored to counter hybrid threats, taking into account various societal groups and potential vulnerabilities. Crisis Communication: Proficiency in crafting and delivering effective messages during crises, ensuring clear, timely, and accurate information dissemination to mitigate panic and confusion. Ethical Decision-Making: Skills to evaluate and apply ethical principles in communication strategies, ensuring respect for fundamental rights and professional standards in challenging hybrid threat scenarios. Critical Analysis and Evaluation: Capability to critically assess the effectiveness of different communication approaches within the hybrid threat environment, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Research and Data Collection: Ability to conduct independent research, gather empirical data, and analyze trends to support the development of informed communication strategies.
Competences
1.Understanding of hybrid threats, strategic communication skills, crisis management, cultural sensitivity, ethical decision-making, adaptability, and technological proficiency. By developing these competencies, students will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles in crisis communication and contribute to the effective management of hybrid threats.
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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1.
Individual work |
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-
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1. Attendance of seminars and lectures – mandatory, 20% (the lecturer evaluates the student's participation and activity in lectures and seminars).
2. Permanent work (group work/synopsis/analysis) and presentation – mandatory, 30% (the lecturer evaluates the student's skills: to keep the audience's attention, the ability to find and select viable innovative ideas, to discuss the latest trends in the context of the study course topics).
3. Development of summaries – mandatory, 20% (the lecturer assesses the student's ability to independently obtain, select and analyse information in the context of the study course).
4. Examination – mandatory, 30% (the lecturer assesses the student's knowledge and understanding in the context of the study course topics).
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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1.
Examination |
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-
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A final grade will be determined based on audience participation, group assignments, presentations, final work and exams.
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Study Course Theme Plan
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Introduction to Strategic Communication and Hybrid Threats.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Theories of Media and Communication.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Hybrid Threats: Case Studies and Analysis.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Crisis Communication Strategies.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Strategic Communication Ethics.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Communication Approaches for Different Societal Groups.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Disinformation and Misinformation in Hybrid Threats.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Strategic Narrative Development.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Evaluating Communication Effectiveness.
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Future Trends in Strategic Communication and Hybrid Threats.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Analysis of a Hybrid Threat Case Study.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Developing a Strategic Communication Plan.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Ethical Dilemmas in Crisis Communication.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Strategic Narratives Workshop.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Crisis Communication Simulation.
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Crisis Communication Simulation.
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Bibliography
Required Reading
Heath, R. L., & O'Hair, H. D. (Eds.). (2020). Handbook of Risk and Crisis Communication. Routledge. ProQuest Ebook Central Academic Complete
Bennett, W. L., & Livingston, S. (2018). The Disinformation Age: Politics, Technology, and Disruptive Communication in the United States. Cambridge University Press.
NATO (2017). Countering Hybrid Warfare Project Report. NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence.
Hybrid CoE. (2024). Building resilience to hybrid threats (Working Paper No. 31). The European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats.
Additional Reading
Cornish, P., Lindley-French J., Yorke C. (Eds.). (2011). Strategic Communications and National Strategy: A Chatham House Report.
Waisbord, S. (2018). Communication: A Post-Discipline. Polity.