Fueling Extremism in a Wired World

In 1924, Adolf Hitler wrote, “Propaganda is a truly terrible weapon in the hands of an expert.” What might the Nazis have done with the Internet and social media at their disposal? While digital tools are fostering unprecedented global conversation, extremists are using them to foment hate, recruit followers, and incite violence. Held in conjunction with the exhibition, State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda, curator Dr. Steve Luckert and a panel of experts will explore how technology allows extremists to spread hatred and prey upon the young and vulnerable. What responsibility do technology companies, governments, and individuals have to shape the reach of social media to keep our world safe?

Please note: RSVPs to this event are currently at capacity. There will be a standby line at the door and if space becomes available, guests in standby will be seated on a first come first served basis.

Join us LIVE at 7:00pm as we present Fueling Extremism in a Wired World online.

About the Panel

R.B. Brenner is the director of the School of Journalism and the G.B. Dealey Regents Professor in Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin. Previously, he was the deputy director of Stanford University’s journalism program and taught courses in public issues reporting, digital journalism and narrative writing. He joined the faculty at Stanford in September 2010 after leaving The Washington Post, where his roles included metropolitan editor, Sunday editor and deputy universal news editor. He was one of the primary editors of the newspaper’s coverage of the Virginia Tech shootings, which was awarded a Pulitzer Prize, and played a leadership role in merging the digital and print newsrooms.

Steven Luckert is Senior Curator in the Levine Institute for Holocaust Education at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. He served for 20 years as the Curator of the Museum’s acclaimed permanent exhibition, The Holocaust, and curated seven other special exhibitions. He has appeared in the following media outlets:  CSPAN, CNN, History Channel, NBC Nightly News, Associated Press, Reuters International, History Detectives, The History Channel, ZDF (German Television), PBS, Fox, Washington Post, New York Times, National Geographic Channel, Israeli Public Television, Spanish Television, National Public Radio, Newsmax, Telemundo, Al-Hura, The Forward, Boston Globe, Cox News Service, Washington Jewish Week, USA Today, Baltimore Jewish Times, National Review, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, and Tass.  Steven Luckert received his Ph.D. in Modern European History from the State University of New York at Binghamton and has published on German history, the Holocaust, and Nazi propaganda.

Tara D. Sonenshine is former under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, she is a lecturer at George Washington University and contributor to The Hill and other media outlets. Sonenshine has a distinguished career in government, non-profits and the media.  She has demonstrated expertise in foreign policy, programming, communications strategy and public policy and has had extensive dealings with business, community and governmental leaders worldwide. Sonenshine is the winner of 10 News Emmy Awards and other awards in journalism for programs on domestic and international issues.   She sits on the board of The Women’s Foreign Policy Group and other organizations.  Based at George Washington University, Ms. Sonenshine actively consults to the private sector, NGO sector, and multiple clients on media outreach, board development, and strategic communications including facilitation and moderating programs.  Current clients include Godiva Chocolate, The Wilson Center, The United States Institute of Peace,  Voice of America and others. Sonenshine has also worked at The White House as Deputy Director of Communications.

This program is co-presented by the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda education programs sponsored by Lisa and Sandy Gottesman.

Support for the Bullock Museum's exhibitions and education programs provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.

Educators, to receive CPE credit email education@thestoryoftexas.com