September 2026
The Prishtina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS) concluded the fourth seminar of the School of Politics, dedicated to “Political Communication, Media, Disinformation, and the Integrity of Democratic Debate.”
Across three days, participants explored the role of media in a democracy, the challenges of political communication, and the ways in which disinformation can shape how citizens understand political realities.
The seminar opened with discussions on media freedom and its role in holding those in power accountable. With Dr. Flutura Kusari, participants examined freedom of expression, access to public documents, and the role of independent media in scrutinising public institutions. A dedicated practical session focused on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), their potential impact on public-interest reporting, and the risk that costly legal proceedings can contribute to self-censorship.
Day Two focused on disinformation, information manipulation, and political communication. With Mr. Kreshnik Gashi, participants explored how inaccurate information and manipulative narratives operate and why they can become particularly powerful in polarised environments. Discussions also addressed the role of emotions, algorithms, and information bubbles in shaping how people interpret what they see and hear.
The conversation then turned to emotion, storytelling, and influence in political communication, with Mr. Neritan Sejamini. Participants explored how political stories are constructed and what makes communication clear, credible, coherent, and effective. One idea from the session captured the discussion particularly well: “Not the words you say – the words they hear.”
The final day focused on the relationship between media, politics, power, and the public, with Mr. Lirim Mehmetaj and Mr. Osman Stafa. Participants discussed some of the key dilemmas journalists face today: where critical journalism ends and political activism begins, whether media should strive for complete impartiality or take a clear position in defence of the public interest, and who shapes political narratives today — politicians, media, platforms, or the public.
The day also provided an opportunity to reflect on one of the central challenges facing democratic debate: how public trust can be built and maintained in an information environment characterised by competing narratives and countless sources of information.
Participants from the Academy of Political Studies also joined the final day, bringing new perspectives and further enriching the exchange between Kosovo and Albania.
Across the three days, the seminar provided space for discussion, reflection, and practical learning on how communication, media, and information influence the quality of public debate and citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.
The School of Politics programme is supported by the Council of Europe and Demo Finland.
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