Society, Culture, and Security

What’s Up, Doc?: The Viral Spread of the Digital Infodemic

In his speech at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated: “we’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic.” Social media platforms are flooded with false information, half-truths, and conspiracy theories, all of which shaped the online environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. This, coupled with post-truth politics, Read More…

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

From the Internet to Ashes: Disinformation and the Tigray War

What does war in the Tigray region show about the future of disinformation in ethnic and regional conflicts? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the role of gas-lighting and other information warfare techniques in the Horn of Africa’s most recent outbreak of hostilities.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy? The Marine Corps’ New Information Warfare Strategy

How does the US Marine Corps (USMC) intend to conduct information warfare over the coming decade? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the USMC’s Force Design 2030 initiative and its focus on countering disinformation and operating in the Indo-Pacific region.

Centre For Disinformation Studies Jack Burnham

“A Splendid Little War” Great Power Competition, Disinformation, and the Spanish-American War

What is the relationship between disinformation and great power competition? In this essay, Jack Burnham discusses the legacy of the Spanish-American War and the “yellow press” through the lens of great power politics, and its lessons for contemporary policymakers.

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

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.