GOVT165C CM - Technology and Democracy

This course evaluates the impact of technology on democracy through the lenses of political theory, political economy, and literature. Westerners have long regarded technological innovation as a facilitator of global democratic advancement. The last two decades have shattered this assumption, demonstrating technology’s capacity to exacerbate political polarization, to facilitate anti-competitive monopolies, and to ignite forces of illiberal populism. Abroad and at home, technology is empowering private and public actors to achieve levels of centralization, surveillance, and even censorship that were unthinkable in the past, while also eroding the Western consensus on freedom of speech, civility, and informed public debate.

Prerequisite:GOVT 020 CM

Offered: Every year

Credit: 1

Course Number: GOVT165C CM