In this episode, UNU-CPR Director Dr. David Pasarelli speaks with Dr. Simon Chesterman, Vice Provost and David Marshall Professor at the National University of Singapore, about misinformation and disinformation in a world of information abundance.

The conversation explores why greater access to information has not translated into greater trust or understanding, and why false content often spreads more widely than factual information. It also distinguishes between misinformation, disinformation and malformation, with attention to intent.

They discuss the implications for the United Nations and multilateral cooperation, including how misinformation can erode trust in international institutions and complicate collective responses to global challenges, and the UN’s role in supporting information integrity across States and platforms.

The discussion further examines how algorithmic systems shape information flows, and why responses must involve States, platforms and individuals, alongside reflections on information overload and generative AI.

For more information:

Simon Chesterman, The Oxford Handbook of Misinformation and Disinformation (forthcoming)

Eleonore Fournier-Tombs, Eduardo Albrecht and Rebecca Brubaker, Disinformation and Peacebuilding in Sub-Saharan Africa: https://unu.edu/publication/disinformation-and-peacebuilding-sub-saharan-africa

Watch this episode of Multilateralism UNpacked on Youtube: https://youtu.be/PZhxXBVFEJY