Character Assassination and
Reputation Protection
Welcome to the Lab for Character Assassination and Reputation Protection (CARP)
In a world where a single tweet can unravel a career, and a bot-generated whisper can echo louder than the truth,
understanding reputational attacks is no longer optional, it is essential. Meet the CARP Lab — a center for
innovative research and education on character assassination and the art and science of protecting one’s reputation.
Founded in 2016, CARP LAB, as a non-profit organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c) (3).
Our interdisciplinary lab brings together scholars, educators, and professionals from across the globe.
With expertise spanning history, psychology, rhetoric, political science, communication, and public relations,
we unite around one mission: to explore how reputations are shaped, shattered, and re-claimed.
Pioneering Research in Character Assassination and Reputation Protection
We study reputational attacks throughout history and across diverse societies. From ancient Rome to digital
platforms, from political smear campaigns to viral memes, we examine how reputations are made and unmade across
time and culture. Our work bridges the academic and the practical, with three main areas of focus:
- Research into both historical and contemporary cases of character assassination;
- Education that empowers students, journalists, social influencers, policymakers, and the public to understand and resist reputational harm;
- Risk assessment tools to identify reputational vulnerabilities and build resilience for individuals.
CARP is at the forefront of a new academic frontier. Once overlooked, character assassination is now recognized
as a vital field of study—intersecting media ethics, public trust, social identity, and digital culture. Our team
is authoring influential books, organizing international conferences, producing educational media, and training
the next generation of reputation-savvy professionals.
The Team Behind the Research
At CARP, we study the art and science of character attacks and how to defend against them. Our growing international team has authored books, published influential research, developed university courses, and spoken at leading institutions worldwide.
CARP is at the forefront of a growing academic field. Once overlooked, character assassination is now recognized as a critical area of study intersecting media ethics, public trust, social identity, and digital culture—especially in an era of polarization and misinformation.
Our work is grounded in a strong interdisciplinary approach. It began when a historian, a political psychologist, a communication scholar, and a rhetoric expert joined forces to examine character attacks from multiple perspectives—bringing together psychological, historical, communicative, political, and persuasive analyses. Over the years, the team has grown, welcoming enthusiastic associates, contributors, and supporters from around the world.
We are producing influential scholarship, organizing international conferences, creating educational media, and training the next generation of reputation-savvy professionals. At CARP, we pride ourselves on interdisciplinary collaboration and a global outlook in advancing this vital field of research.
CARP’s Four Core Areas of Work
To From ancient Rome to digital platforms, from political smear campaigns to viral memes, we examine how reputations are made and unmade across time and culture. Our work bridges the academic and the practical, with four main areas of focus:
Researching
At CARP, we explore the complex dynamics of character attacks, reputation protection, and strategic communication.
Our research combines historical case studies with contemporary examples, providing fresh insights into how individuals
navigate challenges to their personal reputations and develop strategies to defend themselves effectively.
Publishing
Our team has authored numerous books, peer-reviewed articles, and media contributions, in addition to college textbooks
and educational resources. Through these publications, we strive to translate rigorous scholarship into accessible
knowledge for students, professionals, and the broader public, bridging academic research with practical understanding.
Global Conferences & Media Events
CARP regularly organizes international conferences, webinars, and workshops, bringing together scholars, practitioners,
and students from around the world. These events foster collaboration, debate, and the exchange of cutting-edge research
on reputation politics. In addition, CARP members frequently provide expert commentary and interviews for global media
outlets, sharing insights with a wider audience.
Education
We have developed a university course on Character Assassination and Reputation Protection, with several versions
tailored to students from different majors. These courses, taught by CARP members, equip students with the theoretical
knowledge and practical tools to understand and analyze reputation dynamics in real-world contexts.
Leading Academic Authority
CARP represents the world’s most comprehensive research initiative on character assassination and reputation protection,
combining rigorous academic methodology with practical real-world applications.
- Interdisciplinary research methodology
- International network of expert scholars
- Evidence-based analytical frameworks
- Practical defense strategies and solutions
- Educational curriculum development
Global Network
International symposiums and collaborations bringing together leading experts to advance the field.
Publications
Peer-reviewed research in leading academic journals and comprehensive books on character assassination.
Education
University courses and training programs for students, researchers, and practitioners worldwide.
Consulting
Expert analysis and strategic guidance for organizations facing reputational challenges.
and access some of our publications, videos, and online resources. Whether you are a student, a graduate student, a scholar,
an influencer, a journalist, or simply curious about how reputations rise and fall, you are in the right place.
The CARP Lab is more than a research space, it’s a collaborative hub for ideas and action.
Welcome!