WASHINGTON, D.C. – The McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University today hosted the first of a four-part event series focused on the importance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and building awareness of Mis, Dis, and Mal-Information (MDM) campaigns that seek to undermine public trust in institutions like NATO.
Today’s discussion featured Director and Senior Fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy Laura Thornton, President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Jamie Fly, Director of Policy and Business Development for Rasmussen Global Harry Nedelcu and was moderated by McCain Institute Director for Human Rights and Democracy Programs Paul Fagan.
Focusing on the growing threat of disinformation campaigns that can be traced back to authoritarian regimes and their proxies, this discussion followed last week’s McCain Institute Human Rights and Democracy Summit and was a continuation of the McCain Institute’s Democracy Week. The panelists talked about the threats to NATO from Russia and China, and the need to build a coherent, locally focused public awareness campaign regarding these threats.
Specifically, this would entail NATO playing a larger role in the support of good governance and forging connections with local communities of member countries to help combat disinformation at the person-to-person level. This will require building robust partnerships with democracy-oriented organizations and following the advice of those who are already making strides in this area.
“I think NATO definitely has to play this role, I think making it front and center which they’ve already discussed, investing in community building, local independent media, civic education,” said Director and Senior Fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy Laura Thornton. “But importantly working hand in glove with other organizations and not trying to go it alone or start over I think will be very important.”
This event was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of State – NATO Mission. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the author[s] and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.
Click HERE to watch the full event.
About the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University
Inspired by Senator John S. McCain and his family’s legacy of public service, the McCain Institute for International Leadership is fighting to secure democracy and alliances, defend human rights, protect the vulnerable, and advance character-driven leadership, both at home and around the world.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
