Summary of Media Narratives about Poland in Lebanon and Recommendations for Action
This material is one of ten analytical briefs accompanying the full report on the security of Lebanon’s information environment. It forms part of a broader series examining key trends and incidents shaping the informational landscape. We encourage you to read the full report:
https://shafafiyat.com/ar/2025/09/17/%d8%aa%d9%82%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%b1-%d8%a3%d9%85%d9%86-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%a6%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%b9%d9%84%d9%88%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%aa%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d9%84%d8%a8%d9%86%d8%a7%d9%86/
Lebanon, despite its apparent media diversity, remains a highly politicized environment in which information dissemination often serves the interests of specific internal groups or foreign sponsors. In this context, Poland’s image also becomes a subject of manipulation – both within the broader anti-Western narrative promoted by Russia, Iran, or Hezbollah, and within the framework of informational rivalry taking place at the regional level. Disinformation, distorted narratives, and the instrumentalization of facts weaken Poland’s credibility and threaten its strategic interests in the region.
An analysis of the Lebanese media environment shows that, despite the large number of media outlets, the real diversity of information is significantly limited by the politicization of the media sector. Instead of serving as independent guardians of democracy, media often function as political instruments serving the interests of specific groups, political parties, and sects. This close link between media, politics, and religion not only undermines their credibility but also creates a serious risk of information manipulation, making it difficult for citizens to make informed social and political decisions. In such conditions, media pluralism, although theoretically valuable, in practice leads to further polarization instead of promoting rapprochement between different social groups.
Although traditional media such as television, radio, and press still play a role in shaping public opinion, their importance is declining in favour of digital media. It is digital platforms – blogs, social media, and influencers – that are becoming the main sources of information for younger generations. At the same time, these same platforms, although offering a wide range of information, also create space for disinformation. In the case of online media, the lack of regulation and content quality control leads to a situation where the ease of access to unverified information can mislead society, which may have serious consequences for the country’s political and social stability.
Recommendations
- Support initiatives aimed at improving media objectivity and developing independent journalists who are not affiliated with any political party or religious sect.
- Promote media education among citizens to enhance their ability to critically analyse information and recognize disinformation.
Strategic analysis – the impact of the regional situation on Poland’s strategic goals
The Lebanese media environment represents an interesting space for Polish-Lebanese cooperation, particularly in the areas of media digitalization and ensuring cybersecurity for existing media platforms. In this context, cooperation with Polish companies could support the modernization process of Lebanon’s media landscape. One aspect would be ensuring the protection of journalists from cyberattacks and surveillance, which is particularly important in the context of repression in authoritarian regimes. Additionally, such cooperation could contribute to strengthening competencies in data protection and information quality, opening opportunities for the expansion of Polish technology companies into the Middle Eastern market.
Poland should leverage its historical legacy of defending freedom, democracy, and pluralism to counter disinformation narratives in Lebanon and the broader MENA region. This legacy, especially embodied by figures such as Jan Paweł II, resonates deeply with audiences who value resistance against oppression and the promotion of democratic values. By emphasizing these connections through targeted cultural diplomacy and public messaging, Poland can strengthen its image as a reliable ally in promoting stability and human rights.
Summary of Russian messaging in the region
Although direct exposure to propaganda targeting Poland is limited in Lebanon, disinformation narratives appear through global media supported by Russian and Iranian platforms. Narratives such as portraying Poland as a NATO pawn or criticizing its migration policy fit into the broader anti-Western and anti-NATO sentiments common in the region. To counter this, Poland should focus on creating counter-narratives that emphasize its engagement in NATO as a stabilizing force and its role in supporting humanitarian and security efforts in Europe. By cooperating with Lebanese media and forming partnerships with local opinion leaders, Poland can directly respond to these disinformation narratives.
Recommendations
- Create counter-narratives emphasizing Poland’s engagement in NATO as a stabilizing force and its role in supporting humanitarian and security efforts in Europe.
Countering Disinformation and Social Polarization
The Lebanese media environment is dependent on numerous external geopolitical and economic influences, which significantly hinder access to reliable information and introduce the risk of disinformation. Sectarian media, dependent on the interests of external states, often manipulate public opinion, leading to regional destabilization. Poland should focus on countering disinformation narratives and promoting democratic values in Lebanon and the MENA region, using its historical legacy of defending freedom and pluralism. Cooperation with Lebanese media and partnerships with local opinion leaders can help create counter-narratives that emphasize Poland’s engagement in NATO and its role in humanitarian and regional stability. Poland should also remain vigilant in monitoring disinformation on media platforms such as RT Arabic and Al-Mayadeen and support cooperation with local journalists and universities to effectively debunk false narratives and strengthen its position in the international arena.
Recommendations
- Support initiatives aimed at developing independent journalists and media that are not affiliated with any political party or religious sect, as well as promoting pluralism in the information sphere.
- Develop educational programs that enhance citizens’ ability to recognize disinformation and analyse information. Promoting these initiatives among society is key to improving the quality of public debate.
- Create new media platforms that offer alternatives to traditional media and can effectively combat growing social polarization.
- Strengthen the role of women in the Lebanese media environment, eliminate gender equality barriers, and ensure equal access to power within the media sector
Key Activity Elements
Poland must remain vigilant in monitoring and analysing disinformation trends in Lebanon and the MENA region. Establishing dedicated resources to track these narratives, especially on platforms such as RT Arabic and Al-Mayadeen, will enable rapid responses. Cooperation with local universities, journalists, and decision-makers to examine and debunk disinformation can further strengthen Poland’s credibility as a reliable partner in the fight against propaganda.
Recommendations
- Create resources for monitoring disinformation narratives and cooperate with local universities and journalists to debunk them.
Summary
In the Lebanese media space, both positive and negative portrayals of Poland are present. The positive image is based on perceiving Poland as a stable, democratic country that supports humanitarian values, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. On the other hand, in narratives inspired by Russia, Iran, or organizations such as Hezbollah, Poland is portrayed as a NATO and U.S. tool destabilizing the region and fitting into the alleged “imperial” policy of the West. Such narratives are particularly dangerous as they influence local societies through channels considered trusted sources of information.
To counter disinformation and polarization, Poland should develop strategic media partnerships in the region, strengthen its public diplomacy presence, and invest in media education and digital security. Establishing cooperation with Lebanese universities, journalists, and media experts can serve to create counter-narratives based on facts and democratic values. At the same time, promoting Poland’s heritage of freedom and transformational experience – particularly through soft power – can strengthen Poland’s position as a credible regional partner in the MENA region.