In this episode of the Campbell Conversations, Grant Reeher interviews Nina Jankowicz, an expert in disinformation and former head of the Disinformation Advisory Board during the Biden administration. Jankowicz has authored two books: “How to Lose the Information War: Russia, Fake News and the Future of Conflict” and “How to Be a Woman Online: Surviving Abuse and Harassment and How to Fight Back.”
Jankowicz defines information war as a significant battleground where states, particularly adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran, influence American political discourse through disinformation campaigns. While the U.S. has engaged in overt information operations globally, Jankowicz notes that modern disinformation tactics are often covert, creating confusion and misinformation within the United States.
She reflects on her brief tenure in the Biden administration, highlighting the importance of proactive communication and transparency about disinformation threats, especially concerning misinformation related to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Jankowicz raises concerns about the reduced capacity of the U.S. government to counter foreign propaganda and emphasizes the need for improved information literacy among the public.
Transitioning to her second book, Jankowicz discusses the unique challenges women face online, particularly in public roles, including more frequent and targeted abuse. She provides tips for women navigating the digital space, stressing the importance of setting up protective measures against online harassment.
Finally, she shares her personal experiences with severe online abuse and threats that escalated after her government appointment, underscoring the emotional toll and isolation caused by such attacks. Jankowicz will be speaking at Syracuse University on October 27th about the silencing of truth tellers globally.
