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Thu, 19 Nov, 2026 at 05:30 pm UTC-06:00

Weapons of Mass Distraction: How Our Adversaries Manipulate Information to Disrupt Our Security

  • Illini Country Club · Springfield
World Affairs Council of Central Illinois Publisher / Host World Affairs Council of Central Illinois
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Weapons of Mass Distraction: How Our Adversaries Manipulate Information to Disrupt Our Security
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Have you ever wondered about the difference between misinformation and disinformation? How is it spread? Well, we all carry dangerous weapons of mass distraction in our pockets and purses. Russia, the PRC, Iran, and violent extremist organizations use our mobile phones and laptops to weaken our cohesion and democratic institutions and advance their authoritarian goals. Come and join us to learn more about misinformation and disinformation and to discuss the online threat we all face today and what we can do in response. And bring your appetites, to enjoy another delicious buffet prepared by chef.
KARL STOLTZ is co-president of the Public Diplomacy Council of America (PDCA) and foreign policy advisor for Deft9 Solutions, LLC. Karl served for 39 years as a U.S. diplomat, most recently as senior advisor in the Global Engagement Center (GEC), which worked to counter foreign information manipulation and interference. Karl also served twice as Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) in Denmark and Myanmar; and four times as Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs (CPAO) in Russia, South Africa, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. He also served overseas as a Press or Cultural Attaché in Indonesia, New Zealand, and Russia, and in Washington, D.C., he worked as director of the Office of Citizen Exchanges (ECA/PE/C) and as director of the East Asian and Pacific Bureau’s Public Affairs and cultural coordinator for USIA in the Asia-Pacific region. Karl has taught at George Washington University, both at the graduate and undergraduate level, and given lectures in many other universities and organizations. Karl earned his academic degree from the University of Virginia in history and Russian studies; his foreign languages include Indonesian, Malaysian, and Russian. Karl’s hobbies are traveling (naturally), sports, trivia quizzes and the Hash House Harriers running club.
5:30 PM Cocktails
6:15 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Program
The program is free of charge. Dinner reservations can be made at https://mywacci.org. The cost for dinner is $45 for WACCI members and $55 for non-members. See less
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Illini Country Club, Illini Country Club, 1601 S Illini Rd, Springfield, IL 62704, United States

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