Conference Abstract

The Distortions, Rumours, Untruths, Misinformation and Smears (DRUMS) conference will examine information manipulation and interference in the global political environment of uncertainty. The speakers will explore DRUMS in relation to the uncertainties created by the ongoing wars and competition between world powers, and recent and upcoming elections. They will expand on the current and future threats unfolding in the information environment and discuss countermeasures.

Who Should Attend

Policy-makers, academics, and other experts who are: (a) concerned about DRUMS, (b) focused on their sociopolitical implications, and (c) interested in efforts to counter these threats.

Confirmed Panels & Speakers (as of 30 October 2024)

Keynote Speech and Question & Answer

• Mr Graham Brookie, Vice President and Senior Director of Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab

Panel 1: Information Manipulation and Interference in Times of Uncertainty (with Question & Answer)

• Dr Akin Unver, Associate Professor of International Relations, Ozyegin University
• Dr Janjira Sombatpoonsiri, Research Fellow, German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) and Assistant Professor at the Chulalongkorn University
• [TBC]

Panel 2: Election Interference: Cases from Around the Globe (with Question & Answer)

• Pieter Pandie, Researcher, Department of International Relations, Centre for Strategic and International Studies
• Dr Samantha Bradshaw, Assistant Professor in New Technology and Security, American University
• Professor Paolo Cesarini, Programme Director, European Digital Media Observatory

Panel 3: Emerging Technology (Generative Artificial Intelligence) and Future Uncertainties (with Question & Answer)

• Dr Doowan Lee, Member of Steering Committee, National Center for Narrative Intelligence; CIO, Trust in Media Cooperative; Board Advisor, EdgeTheory
• Dr Kokil Jaidka, Assistant Professor, Communications and New Media, National University of Singapore
• Dr Priyanka Bhalla, Safety Policy Manager, META

Panel 4: Case Studies: Exploring Platforms, Targets, Tactics and Countermeasures (with Question & Answer)

• Mr Harris Zainul, Deputy Director of Research, ISIS Malaysia
• Ms McKenzie Sadeghi, Editor, AI and Foreign Influence, NewsGuard
• Dr Viet Tho Le, Vice Dean, Faculty of Public Relations and Communication, Van Lang University