This dedicated page aims to monitor, document, and analyze ‘disinformation’ issues and trends in the sphere of Chemical and Biological arms control and nonproliferation. While curating CBW-related (dis)information (News, Analysis, Reports/Books etc.) from open source (with due credit), the page would focus on how State Actors and Non-State Actors spread false/fake narratives and propaganda to erode nonproliferation norms and undermine trust in multilateral treaties and international institutions.
(Supported by Health Security Partners (HSP) and Society for the Study of Peace and Conflict (SSPC)
UNGA: "Countering disinformation for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms
UN General Assembly:"Countering disinformation for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms: Report of the Secretary-General" (August 12, 2022)
SNAM: "How disinformation operations against Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny influence the international audience on Twitter"
Abstract: Previous research dedicated a lot of effort to investigation of the activities of the Internet Research Agency, a Russia-based troll factory, as well as other information operations. However, those studies are mostly focused on the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Brexit, and other major international political events.
SHR: "Disinformation in International Relations: How Important Is It?"
ABSTRACT: This article explores the relevance of disinformation in international relations. It discusses the nature of information manipulation, ways to counter disinformation, and possibilities for international organizations, including the OSCE, to initiate confidence-building measures.
"Russia’s “dirty bomb” disinformation, annotated": Bulletin of Atomic Scientists
In late October, after eight months of war, the Russian government claimed that Ukraine was preparing to use a "dirty bomb" and blame it on Russia. There was never any evidence for this claim. But Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nbenzia, nevertheless sent a letter (reproduced below) demanding that the Security Council hold a meeting to discuss the "dirty bomb" issue.
"Russia (again) peddles its debunked US-Ukrainian bioweapons claims at the United Nations": Bulletin of Atomic Scientists
Since invading Ukraine in February, the Russian government has tirelessly worked to convince others of the existence of an illicit US-Ukrainian bioweapons program. It’s brought the claims to the UN Security Council, the Biological Weapons Convention, and other international venues, sometimes more than once.
"COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories Discussion on Twitter"
Social Media + Society, 8 (4), 2022: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was an unexpected event and resulted in catastrophic consequences with long-lasting behavioral effects. People began to seek explanations for different aspects of COVID-19 and resorted to conspiracy narratives.
UN: "Syria’s Chemical Weapons Declaration Cannot Be Considered Accurate, Complete, Disarmament Affairs Chief Tells Security Council"
Syria’s Chemical Weapons Declaration Cannot Be Considered Accurate, Complete, Disarmament Affairs Chief Tells Security CouncilSeveral Members Question Meetings Frequency Given Lack of New Developments
“Russia’s alleged bioweapons claims have few supporters": Bulletin of Atomic Scientists
For the fourth time this year, Russia accused the United States and Ukraine of being in non-compliance with the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BTWC)—and once again found little support for its allegations. At the conclusion of the Article V Formal Consultative Meeting in September, no other state formally accused these two nations of non-compliance.
UN Press: ‘Poor Man’s Atomic Bomb’ Made of Dual-Use Biological, Chemical Material Replaces Nuclear Weapon for Non-State Actors, First Committee Told
‘Poor Man’s Atomic Bomb’ Made of Dual-Use Biological, Chemical Material Replaces Nuclear Weapon for Non-State Actors, First Committee ToldSecuring High-Containment Biological Labs Can Avert Next Pandemic