This committee will be run as a double delegate 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, 

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

Director’s Letter

Dear delegates,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the DISEC committee for the 2026 session of Harvard National Model United Nations! I am honored to serve as your Director, and I look forward to our teamwork and problem-solving over the course of our time together. 

My name is Romi Chaovat. I am a sophomore living in Cabot House, and I study Molecular and Cellular Biology on the pre-medical track. Model UN has been part of my life since my sophomore year of high school, and while I never attended Harvard Model UN as a delegate, my experience as a staffer grew to be a highlight of my time at Harvard. As Model UN was a transformative experience of mine in high school, coming into college, I knew I wanted to continue, so I jumped at the opportunity to get involved. In my freshman fall, I joined Harvard’s Intercollegiate Model UN (ICMUN) team as a delegate. Furthermore, last year, I directed a Historical ECOSOC of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) at HMUN. I hope to use all of the skills and lessons I have developed over this time to deliver a rewarding and enriching experience that honors your hard work.  

Aside from Model UN, I plan to continue my volunteer work on campus through the Phillip Brooks House Association’s ExperiMentors program, where I teach weekly science lessons and lead hands-on experiments to local elementary classes. I also partake in several research-focused groups on campus, particularly those with STEM-facing projects, such as the Harvard Undergraduate Biotechnology Club. This summer, I am putting those research skills to use as I am interning at the Structural Nanotechnology Laboratory at New York University to deepen my understanding of interdisciplinary STEM fields.

I want to emphasize that I am here for you every step of the way, so please reach out to me with any questions or concerns, no matter how big or small. I look forward to meeting you all! 

Sincerely, 
Romi Chaovat   

Director, Disarmament and International Security Committee

ga@hnmun.org