Developments in the realm of digital technology have permeated contentious political processes in profound ways. From Ukraine to Hong Kong, digital communication technology has amplified grievances and helped citizens mobilise against repressive rulers. Concurrently, governments globally are extending their technological tools to surveil, manipulate, censor information, and further social control. At the international level, cyber espionage, foreign election interference, and network-based attacks are increasingly common.
At the Centre for International Security we study the interplay between digital technology and topics related to conflict and security. We specialise in questions pertaining to state behaviour in the digital sphere, taking into account the strategic advantage state forces have in controlling critical infrastructure.
We address and investigate the following key challenges:
- How does Internet access impact the dynamics of political violence?
- How do repressive states leverage digital technology in their broader control agendas?
- What does the strategic use of social media encompass in the context of armed conflict?
- How are governments employing social media platforms, especially when encountering rising domestic opposition?
