The Centre for Disinformation Studies (CDS) is a nonpartisan research and public outreach wing of the NATO Association of Canada, created in April 2019. The goal of the CDS is to facilitate engagement between academics, government, and the public on the topic of disinformation or ‘fake news’. Although disinformation has long been an aspect of human communication, new technologies and a changing international landscape have pushed the idea of disinformation into public awareness in unprecedented ways. The spread of disinformation in recent years has been facilitated by the proliferation of online social networks and digital information-sharing platforms. These new technologies have eroded public trust in conventional sources of information and have helped spread skepticism towards science, academia, and democratic institutions.

The Centre for Disinformation Studies has two main objectives. The first is to provide an interdisciplinary platform for scholars from across the country and beyond to share and discuss research relating to the study of disinformation. The second objective of the CDS is to help disseminate academic research on disinformation to the public in an accessible and engaging manner. By directly engaging the public and helping to bridge the gap between academic research and societal perceptions, the CDS aims to improve the public’s ability to engage critically with information spread through new digital technologies. The CDS also works to strengthen Canadians’ cultural resiliency towards misleading information or conspiracy theories by providing resources to help the public navigate an increasingly confusing information landscape.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

Deception, Deceit, and the Dictator’s Dilemma: Russia, Iraq, and Authoritarian Propaganda

Why is the propaganda of authoritarian regimes often so blatantly false? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses Russia’s disinformation campaign surrounding the emerging global food crisis across the Middle East and Africa, Saddam Hussein’s influence operations, and the politics of dictatorship.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

Fighting Familiar Wars on Foreign Shores: Disinformation, the American Right, and Uganda

How can disinformation be used to stifle human rights? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the connection between Uganda’s anti-homosexuality laws and the intervention of members of the American evangelical community.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

House of Cards: The Suspension of the US’ Disinformation Governance Board

Why did the US Disinformation Governance Board fail? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the ill-fated US Department of Homeland Security initiative, and the implications for addressing disinformation within democracies.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

Repetition or Rhyming? HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and Disinformation

Nearly forty years on and faced with another public health threat, what is the legacy of HIV/AIDS-related disinformation? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the parallels between the HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 health crises and the proliferation of health-related disinformation during a time of great power competition.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

Selling Stories by the Side of the Rio Grande: Immigration, Disinformation, and US Border Policy

How effective has the US been in countering falsehoods aimed at migrants from South America? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses how disinformation contributes to immigration northwards, and the Biden administration’s response.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

No Child Left Behind? Education, Disinformation, and Media Literacy Classes

Do media literacy classes offer an effective policy solution to disinformation? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the rise of media literacy classes in the US and Canada and their impact on countering the effects of deliberate falsehoods on young people.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

Honesty Truly Is the Best Policy: Public Intelligence Sharing and the Russo-Ukrainian War

How have NATO states adapted to Russia’s use of disinformation? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the West’s strategy of public intelligence sharing and its impact on the Russo-Ukrainian War.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham Uncategorized

Short Loops and Tall Tales: TikTok, Disinformation, and the New Face of War Reporting

Why has TikTok become a hub for disinformation during the Russo-Ukrainian War? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the rise of the social media platform, its influence on the information space, and how it has reshaped war reporting.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

Wolf Warrior-ism, Revisited: Great Power Competition During the Russo-Ukrainian War

What lessons can Russian disinformation campaigns provide for understanding China’s “Wolf Warrior Diplomacy”? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the Russo-Ukrainian war, Chinese diplomacy, and the value of falsehoods in international relations.