Information Wars: Democracy and the Disinformation Age

Paweł Markiewicz and Ari Tabatabai examine Europe’s fight against disinformation and what it reveals about the challenge of protecting democracy in an age of information warfare.
Banners that read "Use Your Vote" hang above the European Parliament during Europe Day celebrations in Brussels on May 4, 2024.
Oct
8
Virginia Mayo / AP
Speakers
Paweł Markiewicz
Ariane Tabatabai
Date and Time
Doors Open: 5:15 pm
Location
Chicago Council Conference Center, 130 E Randolph Street; or via YouTube
Who Can Attend

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About This Event

Disinformation has become one of the defining challenges facing democracies, eroding public trust, influencing elections, and testing whether open societies can defend themselves without compromising the freedoms they seek to protect. Europe has become a laboratory for this struggle, with countries across the continent confronting different forms of the threat. What does disinformation look like in different parts of Europe? As the continent prepares for another wave of elections, which approaches are proving most effective at combating disinformation? And what can Europe’s experiences reveal about strengthening democratic resilience on both sides of the Atlantic? Join Paweł Markiewicz and Ari Tabatabai for a discussion on disinformation and the future of democratic discourse. 

This program is held in partnership with the Consulate General of France and the Consulate General of Poland in Chicago.

Following the conversation, please join us for a reception.

About the Speakers
Paweł Markiewicz
Executive Director, Washington, DC Office, Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM)
Headshot of Paweł Markiewicz.
Paweł Markiewicz is executive director of the Washington, DC, office of the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM) and advisor to the PISM director for US operations.
Headshot of Paweł Markiewicz.
Vice President of Research, Security and Defense; Senior Fellow, Middle East, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Headshot of Ariane Tabatabai
Dr. Ariane Tabatabai joined the Council in 2026 as the vice president of research, security and defense. She also serves as senior fellow for the Middle East, focusing on nuclear security and regional security dynamics in the Middle East.
Headshot of Ariane Tabatabai
Exterior of the Prudential Towers
Construction Alert Please note that the Randolph Street lobby of the Prudential building, where guests enter for Council events, will be under construction from April through December.