Previous wars have been broadcast on the radio and TV, but Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 provide a two-way communication channel with a global reach. While Putin’s regime was previously viewed as a major player in successfully executing disinformation campaigns, at home and abroad, during this war, Russia has lost the information battle. In Ukraine, Web 2.0 tools are amplified and magnified, not by armies of trolls, but by real people joining forces to resist the occupation and its disastrous consequences. Web 3.0 plays a visible role as cryptocurrencies are used to increase donations, meanwhile the same Fintech instruments can facilitate sanction avoidance. Digital technologies transform the way wars are fought, population support is provided, information and awareness are handled and disruption contained. This training and subsequent event will investigate the following questions:
- How does this digital info-war differ from previous ones?
- How do social media platforms help silence and expose Putin’s propaganda machine?
- What are the mechanisms of combating censorship that have been used and refined during the crisis?
- Why is Zelensky’s communication strategy so effective at portraying him as a major leader and influencer?
- What is the Ukrainian IT army and how does digital citizen activism resist the Russian army of trolls?
- Are combating disinformation efforts successful? How are the big IT companies doing in combating disinformation?
This training is open to all who register and will occur on May 28 and 31, 2022. Those who participate in this virtual training will be considered to attend a forum based on a brief project proposal in connection to the training's themes.
The deadline to apply to this program is May 18, 2022.
This virtual training session is implemented with support from the Global Leaders Division of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and U.S. Embassies.
Please find the registration form here. The registration must be completed in English. Please email giuliana.johnson@worldlearning.org with any questions.
We appreciate your interest in this project and look forward to working with you.