This committee will be run as a double delegation committee.

Topic Summary

In an era where a single tweet can spark conflict between nations, the battle for protecting truth has never been more critical. Although one might regard misinformation and disinformation as nothing more than inconveniences to our daily, increasingly digital lives, global misinformation and disinformation have the power to shape elections, fuel conflicts, and conceal human rights atrocities – all things that are already happening around the world. Recently, misinformation and disinformation have been strategically employed by both states and non-state actors as a weapon. These actions have the potential to be catastrophic for global security, making it imperative for DISEC to thoughtfully, yet quickly, address the issue now.

Tackling this topic requires a profound understanding of not just the effects of global misinformation and disinformation, but the underlying causes of why these efforts work. Further, as DISEC drafts initiatives to address these problems, delegates must balance these broader implications for global security with freedom of speech (for both individuals and nations) and state sovereignty. This background guide will provide a foundation of information on the topic, however, such new and unprecedented threats to global security require equally as unprecedented solutions. Delegates must understand the critical need for collaborative, comprehensive, innovative, and sustainable solutions that do not just apply to our world today, but will remain effective for generations to come as our world undoubtedly continues to rapidly change.

Director’s Letter

Dear delegates,

My name is Ally Brown and I’m so so excited to be your co-director for this year’s Disarmament and International Security Committee for HNMUN 2026! I am originally from Dover, New Hampshire, which is about an hour away from Boston (on a good traffic day). I’m currently a sophomore at Harvard College studying Government and Russian Studies. Outside of HNMUN, I lead outreach for the Harvard Undergraduate Sports Lab, coordinate speakers and events for Harvard Women in Business, help run marketing for the Harvard Political Review, and write for the Crimson Sports Board. When I’m not doing these, I love listening to music, travelling, going on really long walks, and watching Netflix sitcoms.

My high school did not have a Model UN team, so, like Kaitlin, my journey with MUN also started when I arrived on campus. Since then, I have been an assistant director for HNMUN 2025, currently compete on the collegiate circuit with the Harvard Intercollegiate Model United Nations team, and am serving as a director for both HMUN and HNMUN 2026. MUN has offered me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people from across the globe while also teaching me important skills and life lessons, and I hope that your time at HNMUN will provide the same.

I look forward to meeting all of you and watching you demonstrate your ability to both lead and collaborate with your fellow delegates. I am very excited to be one of your Directors for HNMUN 2026. Please feel welcome to reach out to Kaitlin or I if you have any questions or concerns leading up to the committee.

All my best,

Ally Brown

Director, Disarmament and International Security Committee

disec@hnmun.org

Director’s Letter

Dear delegates, 

I am so excited to welcome you to the Disarmament and International Security Committee of Harvard National Model United Nations 2026! My name is Kaitlin Cascio, and I am so excited to be your director for DISEC this year. I am originally from Alexandria, Virginia (right outside of Washington, D.C.) but now call Cambridge, and Harvard, home. I am currently a sophomore at Harvard, where I serve as the President of recruiting for the Harvard International Relations Council, offer legal information through the Massachusetts Small Claims Advisory Service, and write for the Crimson Arts Board.  At college, I study Social Studies and Psychology. Outside of Harvard, I enjoy traveling, cooking food from different cuisines, reading thriller novels, painting, and am an avid New York Times-games player.

I did not compete in high school, so I started my Model UN journey when I joined the Harvard Intercollegiate Model United Nations team at the beginning of my freshman year. Currently I am ICMUN’s Deputy Director of Socials, where I work to make sure my fellow delegates have fun! I have staffed both of our domestic conferences in the past and currently serve as Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Councils for HMUN (Harvard’s high school conference). I have so enjoyed my time in the MUN community thus far and look forward to continuing with HNMUN 2026! 

Within this committee, I hope to create a welcoming and collaborative environment where delegates can work creatively to solve problems and engage in lively debate. Throughout the weekend, I will be looking for delegates who balance leadership and collaboration, advocate for innovative and unique solutions, and remain flexible over the course of the conference. I am thrilled to be your Director for HNMUN 2026! If you have any questions, please feel more than free to reach out to me or Ally.

Sincerely, 

Kaitlin Cascio

Director, Disarmament and International Security Committee

disec@hnmun.org