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,

My name is Megan Martinez, and I am thrilled to be your chair for the DISEC committee at HNMUN 2026! I am originally from Tustin, California, but am grateful to now call Harvard my home away from home. I am currently a sophomore at Harvard College concentrating in Government with a secondary in economics, focusing on international relations. At the college, I compete and dance with the Harvard Crimson Dance Team, and serve as the Director of Communications. I also lead Voters Choose, a nonpartisan organization on campus that promotes democracy reforms through civic education and civic engagement. In addition, I am grateful to serve as the Communications Assistant for Harvard College, helping manage our social media and working media at our events. Lastly, I serve as a Peer Advising Fellow, and participate in a variety of foreign policy and various advocacy organizations on campus.

I have always loved international relations and founded the Rosary Academy Model United Nations team during high school. As one of the only all-girls MUN teams in the nation our team made history, as our students were introduced to the world of diplomacy. Serving as the President throughout high school, I was fortunate to lead our team, while competing and finding my love for MUN. Continuing my passion for MUN, I joined the Harvard Intercollegiate Model United Nations team at the start of my freshman year, and have loved competing on the college circuit. Currently, I serve as a Director of Public Relations for the International Relations Council’s recruitment board, and am excited to direct at HNMUN this year! Model United Nations holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait for this committee to tackle global issues through debate, diplomacy, and creative resolutions!

Throughout the weekend, I will be looking for delegates who are actively uplifting one another,and creating an environment of collaboration and creativity. Diplomacy is about compromise and cooperation, or cooperative competition, and I am excited for this committee to create solutions for leading global issues. I am looking forward to meeting all of you, and please feel free to reach out to Kait or I with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Megan Martinez

Director, Disarmament and International Security Committee

disec@hnmun.org