On Thursday, June 16, at 11:30 a.m. ET the Atlantic Council’s Democracy + Tech Initiative will host a discussion to launch a new report examining the future of global connectivity financing and strategic competition over digital infrastructure. As China expands its Digital Silk Road through state-backed financing and integrated technology offerings, the United States and its allies face growing pressure to develop a credible alternative for expanding internet access in underserved markets.
Speakers will discuss how democratic governments, development finance institutions, private investors, and civil society can work together to close the digital divide while advancing an open, secure, and interoperable global internet. The conversation will explore blended finance, development finance reform, allied coordination, and the strategic implications of connectivity infrastructure in the artificial intelligence era.
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Speakers
Kenton Thibaut
Senior Resident Fellow,
Digital Forensic Research Lab, Democracy + Tech Initiative,
Atlantic Council
Jochai Ben-Avie
Nonresident Fellow,
Digital Forensic Research Lab, Democracy + Tech Initiative,
Atlantic Council
More speakers to be announced.
Agenda
11:30–11:35 a.m. | Welcome remarks
Speaker to be announced.
11:35–11:50 a.m. | Presentation of report findings and recommendations
Speakers
Kenton Thibaut
Senior Resident Fellow,
Digital Forensic Research Lab, Democracy + Tech Initiative,
Atlantic Council
Jochai Ben-Avie
Nonresident Fellow,
Digital Forensic Research Lab, Democracy + Tech Initiative,
Atlantic Council
11:50 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Moderated discussion
Moderator to be announced.
Speakers
Kenton Thibaut
Senior Resident Fellow,
Digital Forensic Research Lab, Democracy + Tech Initiative,
Atlantic Council
Jochai Ben-Avie
Nonresident Fellow,
Digital Forensic Research Lab, Democracy + Tech Initiative,
Atlantic Council
12:15–12:30 p.m. | Audience Q&A
Send our speakers a question using this link—it may be featured during our event.
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The Democracy + Tech Initiative creates policy practices that align global stakeholders toward tech and governance that reinforces, rather than undermines, open societies. It builds on the DFRLab’s established track record and leadership in the open-source field, empowering global communities to promote transparency and accountability online and around the world.
The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) has operationalized the study of disinformation by exposing falsehoods and fake news, documenting human rights abuses, and building digital resilience worldwide.
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