ISMT held a debate on polarisation and radicalisation in public discourse

ISMT held a debate on polarisation and radicalisation in public discourse

ISMT held a debate on polarisation and radicalisation in public discourse

2026-02-20

The Miguel Torga Higher Institute gathered faculty and experts to analyse transformations in communication, journalism, and the impacts of disinformation on society.

The Miguel Torga Higher Institute (ISMT) held today, February 19th, a debate session on "Polarisation, Radicalisation, and Transformations of Public Discourse(s): Impacts on Communication, Journalism, and Society". The event took place in Room 2 of the institution's facilities, in the Rua Gomes Freire building, Coimbra.

The opening and moderation of the debate were conducted by faculty member Ana Elisabete Ferreira. The panel included Manuel Castelo-Branco, President of the ISMT Board of Directors, who focused his analysis on the human dimension and the preservation of relationships in the face of polarisation. Communication manager Martha Mendes addressed contemporary communication and the danger of manipulation by extremist movements through fake news.

Further contributions were provided by faculty members Manuel Menezes, who analysed the perception of the "Other" in a social context and the influence of economic factors, and Bruno Paixão, who focused on the paradigm of information speed on social media and journalism produced within newsrooms. The initiative was organised by the ISMT Ethics Committee together with the Republic of Law – Coimbra Legal Association.