Addressing Russian Disinformation: Insights from the Coalition Against Disinformation Conference

On October 29th, the Global Policy Institute (GPI) participated in the Russian Disinformation: Tactics, Influence, and Threats to National Security conference, held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. This event convened experts across media, politics, security, human rights, and religious communities to examine the evolving threat of Russian disinformation on national and international stability. The conference was organized by the Coalition Against Disinformation, a network of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) united by a commitment to countering disinformation and upholding information integrity and democratic values.

As a contributing coalition member, GPI—an independent think tank based in Washington, D.C.—supports evidence-based strategies and policy solutions for pressing global issues, focusing on international relations, economics, and security. GPI collaborates with Bay Atlantic University to foster research and discussion, engaging scholars, practitioners, and students to address complex political and economic challenges. Led by Paolo von Schirach, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Bay Atlantic University (BAU), in Washington DC., and an expert in U.S. politics, international security, NATO, U.S.-China relations, and global energy issues, GPI emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, recognizing the need for cross-sector insights to inform effective policymaking. Paolo von Schirach is also the founder and editor of The Schirach Report, an online publication addressing current political and economic challenges.

The conference featured sessions on the impacts of Russian disinformation on governance, electoral integrity, and religious freedoms in both democratic and occupied regions. The opening panel, The Strategic Use of Disinformation in Propaganda, examined Russia’s use of social media and other channels to amplify misinformation, while experts discussed the critical need for real-time fact-checking and media accountability. Another session, Russian Disinformation and the Erosion of Religious Freedoms in Occupied Territories and Democratic Nations, focused on the manipulation of religious freedoms in regions like Crimea and Donbas, emphasizing its harmful effects on societal cohesion.

The event also unveiled a comprehensive report analyzing Russian disinformation tactics affecting religious rights and electoral processes. You can access the report here: Russian Disinformation Report.

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