Framed and Forgotten: Migrants in the Age of Information Warfare

Author : Zaneta Simanaviciene, Kateryna Polupanova

Abstract :This research project, conducted in one of Lithuania’s cities, explores the integration processes of foreign nationals in the urban environment. Its primary aim is to identify key obstacles to migrants’ social, cultural, and professional inclusion, and to propose practical recommendations for improving adaptation at the community, municipal, and organizational levels. Special emphasis is placed on the role of media manipulation and disinformation targeting migrants, which often reinforces stereotypes, fuels xenophobia, and undermines trust in institutions. The study focuses particularly on Ukrainian refugees as a vulnerable group exposed to politicized narratives and hybrid informational threats. Using both empirical data and theoretical frameworks, the article investigates how migrants perceive and respond to such manipulations. The findings aim to inform more effective integration strategies and contribute to policy development rooted in democratic values and information

Keywords :Migrant integration, Ukraine refugees, media manipulation, disinformation, xenophobia, urban adaptation, social inclusion, Lithuania, hybrid threats, policy development Ask ChatGPT

Conference Name :International Conference on Migration and Development (ICMD-25)

Conference Place Amsterdam, Netherlands

Conference Date 10th Jul 2025