Digital Authoritarianism Part 1

As the internet has developed and become more of an essential presence around the world, early hopes of its democratizing elements have faded, resulting in a realization that digital tools are easily used to promote crackdowns and restrictions of key political, social, and human rights. Such a phenomenon is present in many countries, including well-established democracies. Yet much of the general understanding about issues of technology, governance, and government remain mired in an ideological positioning most appropriate for a previous world predominantly driven by the growth of democratic states.

This course is designed to provide greater depth and context behind this initial understanding of how tools of information communication technology (ICTs) impact politics, policymaking, and the characteristics of modern national markets. The course will thus take a global tour of the reach of digital authoritarianism in several influential states across many regions. Through such a lens, the course will highlight the propensity of cyber-skepticism on new directions in technology and society, with an emphasis on economic, social, and political calculations facing leaders and netizens today.

In so doing, students should be better equipped to understand and adapt to political and reputational risks resulting from these unique digital societies and therefore better able to manage policy and cultural differences with more effectiveness.