The goal of the course is to get an introductory overview of how new technology fits into different areas of politics and public administration. Lectures will cover a few key readings, and will also include examples of real-life cases to illustrate theories
Topics:
Digitalization and political polarization
New technologies and democratic participation
Digitalization and humanitarianism
ICTs and digitalization in development cooperation
Technology and privacy
Authoritarianism and internet technologies
The digital divide
Short papers should be 2,400 (excluding reference list), with limited literature review. I would like participants who do short papers to make them either editorial or written as policy advice. If you take an editorial tone, you can use the content from the course to argue a normative position. For example, is technology’s role in a particular political process good or bad? What do you think the future of a political behavior or process will look like in the digital era? If you focus on policy advice, clarify who you are writing to (United Nations, Government of Germany, EU, etc). Using the course content, write a recommendation for how policy makers or politicians should proceed with an ongoing policy process.
Readings:
The Digital Revolution and Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Challenges (Focus on Chapter 6)
Why the Revolution Will Not be Tweeted
14:00-15:30 Digitalization and Political Polarization:
Readings:
Social media use and participation: a meta analysis of current research
The Democratic Effects of the Internet , 1994 to 2003: A Cross – National Inquiry of 152 Countries
July 2021
10:00-11:30 ICTs, Digitalization, Conflict, and Peace:
Readings:
Technology and Collective Action: The Effect of Cell Phone Coverageon Political Violence in Africa
Pulling the plug: Network disruptions and violence in civil conflict
14:00-15:30 New technology in humanitarian response:
Readings:
When Information Becomes Action
Data hubris? Humanitarian information systems and the mirage of technology
July 2021
10:00-11:30 Privacy and surveillance in the digital world:
Readings:
Digital Technology and the Market for Political Surveillance
Data Protection and Digital Agency for Refugees
14:00-15:30 Democracy, Political Participation, and Technology:
Readings:
How Dictators Control the Internet: A Review Essay
Technology, Media, and Political Participation
Digital Media and the Personalization of Collective Action
July 2021
