MARCH 19 | Psychological Defence: Sweden’s Defence Capability

Join the Cyber Policy Center on March 19th from Noon–1PM Pacific for a unique opportunity to meet with Mr. Mikael Tofvesson, Deputy Head of the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency (MPF), and Head of Operations, tasked to identify, analyze and counter malign information influence directed towards Sweden from foreign adversaries. The MPF began operations January 1 2022. From the agency’s inception, Sweden faced intensive disinformation campaigns, the invasion of Ukraine and its own national election later that same year. Given the current security situation in Europe and beyond, the many elections taking place globally, the rapid changes in the digital information environments as well as the war in Ukraine and Gaza, much is at stake. Mr. Tofvesson will explain the Swedish concept for psychological defence, present the threat situation to Sweden regarding foreign malign influence and share some lessons identified from the ongoing information war in Ukraine.

This event will take place in Encina Hall, Philippines Room (C330), 3rd Floor Central Wing. This is a change from our usual room.

About the Speaker

Mr. Mikael Tofvesson is Deputy Head of the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency (MPF), and Head of Operations. He was previously head of the Counter Information Influence Section at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) Mr. Tofvesson has been responsible for MSB activities to counter foreign interference since 2009, including as head of Global Monitoring and Analysis Section, where he also was responsible for the crisis management center with duty officers, operational analysis function and the international operations’ field security unit. He also headed three task forces to protect the national general elections in 2018, 2022 and the European Parliament election in 2019, against foreign malign information influence. Between 1989 and 2009, Mr. Tofvesson held various positions within the Swedish Military Intelligence and Security Directorate.