Instant Issues After Hours: Mark Jacobson on Political Warfare, Propaganda & Disinformation

Dr. Mark R. Jacobson, John J. McCloy '16 Professor of American Institutions and International Diplomacy at Amherst College, will speak at an Instant Issues After Hours event at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 in the 3rd Floor Community Room of the MassLive Building at 1350 Main Street, in downtown Springfield on Past was Prologue: Today's Struggle Against Political Warfare, Propaganda, and Disinformation in the United States.

The cost is $5 for World Affairs Council members, $10 for nonmembers. Light refreshments will be served.

The RSVP deadline is Monday, October 21, 2019.

Dr. Mark R. Jacobson has over twenty years of experience in the federal government, international organizations, and academia working on some of the most complex and politically sensitive national security issues facing the United States. He is a recognized expert on U.S. foreign policy and national security as well as the dynamics of international conflict and the use of military force and has served as a policymaker, diplomat, academic and member of the armed forces. Since November 2017 Jacobson has served as a senior policy adviser at Kasowitz Benson Torrres LLC where, as a part of the Government Affairs and Strategic Counsel group, he helps to advise on and resolve complex and politically sensitive issues for clients, as well as representing clients before the U.S. government.

From 2009 – 2011, Jacobson served at the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, including as a Strategic Advisor to General Stanley McChrystal and as the Deputy NATO Senior Civilian Representative (SCR). In this capacity Jacobson was a principal foreign policy advisor to General David Petraeus Earlier in his career Jacobson served at the Pentagon in multiple roles and was in his office on September 11, 2001 when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the wing where he worked. On Capitol Hill, Jacobson worked for Senator Carl Levin on the staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee where he participated in the inquiry into the treatment and interrogation of detainees in U.S. custody. A combat veteran, his military service includes time as both an Army and Navy reservist including mobilizations to Bosnia in 1996 and to Afghanistan in 2006.

The Instant Issues series is generously sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank, Wilbraham & Monson Academy & Sir Speedy. Special thanks to NAI Plotkin and 1350 Main Street, LLC.