Panelist in the Event, “Establishing Facts”
On May 7, 2024, the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation released a video titled “Establishing Facts,” featuring Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law as a panelist. The video discusses the importance of fact-checking, the methods involved, and the mechanisms behind disinformation. Professor Ichihara explained authoritarian disinformation and narratives, addressing future challenges as well. First, she succinctly described the mechanisms behind the spread of disinformation regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. She stated that the objectives of disinformation spread by authoritarian actors include destabilizing and polarizing Japan, and driving a wedge between Japan and its security partners. While efforts to combat disinformation by the government and private sector are ongoing, they remain insufficient. Professor Ichihara emphasized that moving forward, not only cross-disciplinary research but also international cooperation will be necessary.
