6 November, 14:30 – 15:30 CEST
This session traces how history and archaeology have been manipulated to legitimise power, first by Nazi Germany and today by the Russian state. Under the Nazis, archaeological “research” and historical myths about racial purity and ancestral lands were used to justify persecution and conquest. In modern Russia, the government promotes a heroic, selective version of World War II and uses heritage sites and historical narratives to claim moral and territorial legitimacy, including for the war in Ukraine.
Chiara Torrisi, historical researcher, will show us how old mechanisms of distortion have been adapted to today’s information environment, turning the past into a political weapon.
Watch the recording now!
Speakers:
Chiara Torrisi, Historical Researcher, Independent
Chiara is a historical researcher and editor working with writers and creators to craft history into accurate and engaging stories. Her background in archaeology and expertise in storytelling have led her to develop a unique approach for researching how historical narratives shape collective identities and how authoritarian regimes can politically manipulate them.
Moderator:
Maria Giovanna Sessa, Research Manager, EU DisinfoLab
Maria Giovanna Sessa is the Research Manager at EU DisinfoLab. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and has previously worked for research foundations, think tanks, and as a university teaching assistant. She authored blog posts, book chapters, articles, and an e-book, as her research interests focus on the use of disinformation in political communication, gender-based attacks, and international crises, including FIMI. Lately, she has been working around DSA enforcement, linking research and policy implementation.
The opinions expressed are those of the speakers/authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of EU DisinfoLab. This webinar does not represent an endorsement by EU DisinfoLab of any organisation.