Rapid response and crisis management
Detecting early, assessing rigorously and responding accurately to attacks, controversies and false information, to protect the campaign’s credibility.
Who it is for
Campaign leadership, communication teams and spokespeople.
When
Arrangement set up before the campaign starts; permanently active during sensitive periods.
Key deliverables
Rapid response protocol, monitoring unit, verified fact library, response sheets.
Speed without haste
In today’s information ecosystem, a rumour or an attack can reach hundreds of thousands of people within hours, particularly through messaging apps. A late response lets a narrative take hold; a hasty, inaccurate or disproportionate one can make things worse.
Research on correcting false information shows that an effective response is fast, factual, simple and carried by credible messengers. It also shows that not everything deserves a response: amplifying a marginal rumour can give it visibility it would never otherwise have had.
Our rapid response arrangement organises this chain: monitoring, assessment, decision, response and follow-up — with an absolute requirement of accuracy.
What the engagement covers
An operational arrangement ready to be activated at any time.
Continuous monitoring
Tracking media, social networks and field reports to detect signals early.
Assessment
Evaluating the severity, reach and accuracy of each piece of information.
Fact library
A documented base of verified answers on record, achievements and programme.
Decision circuit
Rapid approval by a small number of clearly identified decision-makers.
Graduated response
A proportionate choice between silence, factual correction, public statement or legal action.
Trusted messengers
Mobilising credible spokespeople and relays to spread corrections.
Detect, assess, respond, follow up
A response chain tested before it is needed.
Preparation
Protocol, fact library and simulation exercises.
Detection
Continuous monitoring and structured reporting of signals.
Assessment
Analysis of severity and accuracy, choice of response.
Response
Release of an accurate, proportionate and coordinated response.
Follow-up
Measuring effects and lessons learned.
Explicit, verifiable methods
Every tool we use is documented: its sources, assumptions and limitations are known to our clients.
Severity matrix
A grid crossing potential reach and impact to determine the level of response.
Fact-checking
Methods for verifying sources, images and quotes.
Crisis exercises
Regular simulations to test the unit’s speed and coordination.
Incident log
Documentation of each situation, the response given and its effects.
Measuring honestly
Every indicator is labelled by status — target, calculated estimate or measured result — in line with our principles of rigour
| Indicator | What it shows | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Detection time | The time between a piece of information appearing and being spotted. | Measured result |
| Response time | The time between assessment and release of the response. | Measured result |
| Target time | The reaction time the unit commits to, according to severity. | Target |
| Rumour reach | The estimated spread of a false piece of information. | Calculated estimate |
Correct, never counter-disinform
Responding to an attack never justifies giving up on accuracy.
Absolute accuracy
Every response rests on verified facts; when in doubt, we verify before speaking.
No misleading riposte
We never respond to false information with other false information.
Proportionality
The response matches the severity, without needless escalation.
Acknowledging mistakes
When criticism is justified, acknowledging it is often the most credible response.
The best answer to false information is a verified fact, stated simply and quickly.AXIOME working principle
In what contexts do we work?
Illustrative situations: they do not describe actual engagements.
A viral rumour
A false message about the candidate is spreading widely on messaging apps.
A distorted document
A quote taken out of context is picked up by several media outlets.
Justified criticism
A past mistake by the candidacy is revealed and calls for a sincere response.
Frequently asked questions
No. Responding to a marginal rumour can amplify it. The severity matrix helps decide when to respond, how and through whom.
By spreading simple corrections through trusted relays and broadcast channels that supporters have voluntarily joined.
A small circuit defined in advance, involving the campaign leadership and, where necessary, the candidate and their legal counsel.
Related expertise
Let's discuss your project
Every political context is unique. A first, strictly confidential conversation allows us to understand what is at stake and define the most relevant support.
