The Fall International Seminar Series, A New Normal in a Global Context, continues at noon, Wednesday, October 13, with Dr. Joseph Zompetti’s talk on “The Deleterious Dynamics of Disinformation: Lessons from Post-Soviet Societies.” The talk will be presented as a live Zoom webinar which is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
In his talk, Zompetti will address the problems of Russian disinformation infiltration in Kyrgyzstan and Georgia and the implications that may have on the U.S. Specifically, participants will learn about Russian involvement in manipulating media messages in Kyrgyzstan and Georgia. Those case studies will provide an opportunity for understanding the implications of Russian disinformation that occurs in the United States.
Zompetti is professor in the School of Communication at Illinois State University and has taught in 30 countries, including three Fulbright grants (Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Kyrgyzstan). He currently is a consulting and honorary member of the Center for Classical and Contemporary Rhetoric Research in Tbilisi, Georgia. He teaches courses in rhetoric, argumentation, political communication, and cultural studies. His research interests include the relationship between cultural meanings and democratic impulses, ideological messages (including issues pertaining to fake news and disinformation), and rhetorical expressions of power and resistance. He graduated with high honors in political science from Butler University, earned his M.S. from Illinois State University, and his Ph.D. from Wayne State University.
The International Seminar Series has become one of the most popular internationally focused events on Illinois State campus and continues to provide international perspectives on critical issues around the world. This semester, the series is a collaboration between the Office of International Studies and Programs and the Department of Politics and Government. The faculty coordinator is Dr. T.Y. Wang, University Professor and chair of the Department of Politics and Government.
The series continues with webinars at noon each Wednesday through November 3, 2021. Seminar series events are free and open to the public: Advance registration is required to receive the log-in link. Those who have questions or who need an accommodation to participate fully should contact InternationalSeminar@IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-5276.
