#Connexions is a Texas-based platform housed at one of the premiere R1 research institutions in the world. In an era defined by rapid information evolution, our mission is to drive multi-sector and interdisciplinary collaboration, educate leaders, and foster a dynamic community that explores key issues, innovates solutions, and challenges current narratives shaping our hyper-connected world. The upcoming conference, March 18-20, 2024, is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of information disorder, civil (dis)engagement, and the digital (r)evolution. We invite thought leaders, scholars, and professionals from diverse fields to engage in a multifaceted exploration of how these phenomena affect social dynamics, governance, political movements, regional conflicts, and everyday life. For more information, visit https://connexions.ai/2024. Video created by Connexions at UT Austin with background music by Beat Mekanik "Drums Percussion Stomp."

Speaker: Peter Pomerantsev Discussant: Lee McIntyre

Moderator: Lee McIntyre Panelists: Nina Jankowicz, Tiffany Hsu, Jess Dawson, Roman Osadchuk This panel explores the ever-evolving battlefield of disinformation with seasoned experts who are at the frontlines. Gain insights into the latest tactics, technological advancements, and global trends that are shaping the ongoing battle to combat disinformation. This session unveiled strategies, challenges, and successes in the relentless fight against the manipulation of information.

Moderator: Kevin Lentz (GDIL) Panelists: Matt Armstrong, Adam Sikes, Jeff Trimble This panel explores the following: the importance of information strategies in strategic competition; historical and current U.S. experiences of information warfare; how our adversaries and competitors conduct information warfare; the way different U.S. agencies and organizations think about and organize information warfare; the difficulties of conducting information warfare in an open liberal democracy; and finally what can and should be done to situate the U.S. information warfare community to prevail in the current long term strategic competition.

Moderator: Robin Lerner Panelists: Justin Dyer, Sherri Greenberg, Amy Leff, Lee McIntyre In an era marked by pervasive skepticism, polarization, and disillusionment, rebuilding public trust in established institutions is an imperative albeit seemingly impossible challenge. This panel will explore the reasons why public trust in established institutions has diminished, including the obfuscation of truth, news media’s selective attention, and the holes of the rules-based system that America has long claimed to uphold. From healthcare to government, the discussion will broach the subject of how disinformation and social media platforms are playing a marked role in the widespread erosion of faith in even higher education. What policies and initiatives are being tested now and what more can be done to bridge the gap between government, institutions, and the public to renew trust. Or must the "systems" themselves be reimagined in order to re-engage the public? @utaustinvicepresidentforre8626 @UTAustin @lbjschool

Workshop presented by @_JohnHammond Description: Say we put our hacker hat on and we act as the adversary... how do these threat actors or scammers build out these fake accounts? With either misinformation, malware, cybercrime, social engineering and more -- we need to understand the offense to have a stronger defense. In this workshop we'll get hands-on and practical to craft our own sock puppet, and learn just how (scary) easy it is for bad actors. With that insight, we'll be better armed as a community to detect, identify and counteract misinformation alongside tactics & strategies for your own anonymity and security.

Moderator: Adam Klein (Strauss Center) Panelists: LTC Jason Brown, Robert Chesney, John Hammond, Francesca Lockhar An insightful exploration of the complex intersection of cyber policy, surveillance practices, and emerging technologies in the digital age, the "Law & Disorder" panel brings together leading experts to dissect pressing issues at the nexus of law, technology, and security. From the legal frameworks governing cyber operations to the ethical considerations surrounding emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing, the panel will cover key questions shaping the future of cyber policy and practices and unravel the complexities and impossibilities of the pursuit of law and order. With technology advancing practically at the speed of light, how can policymakers chart a course to reach a more secure and resilient future? @ArmyCyberInstituteWP @_JohnHammond @UTAustin @westpoint @RobertStraussCenter @utcreees

Moderator: Jeff Trimble Experts: Zuzana Koskova, Roman Osadchuk, Thomas Kent, Dren Gerguri A comprehensive examination of how Russia and China shape narratives on the global stage and the implications for international dynamics. Drawing on firsthand experiences and extensive research, the panelists share insights into the methods used by these countries to manipulate information, sow discord, and undermine democratic institutions in their respective nations and abroad. From disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks to covert propaganda and diplomatic coercion, this discussion sheds light on the multifaceted nature of influence operations in the digital age and explores countermeasures and solutions to this pervasive global problem. **This panel was sponsored by @academicstudiespress **