There is an optimistic belief that the rapid advancement of digital technologies can foster a more inclusive societal landscape. However, the reality diverges from our optimistic expectations. Digital technology also serves as a catalyst for undemocratic tendencies. This is particularly evident as political actors leverage digital technologies as primary tools to achieve their goals, often disregarding democratic values. Various social media platforms, for instance, are utilized not solely for promoting certain political ideologies but also for disseminating misinformation and disinformation. Furthermore, not all users of these digital platforms possess adequate digital literacy. Consequently, fake news and hate speech proliferate across mainstream platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others. This proliferation has led to societal polarization and even conflict among opposing factions.
In the realm of political competition, entrenched powers utilize digital technologies to suppress criticism and ward off cyber-attacks from their adversaries. Moreover, their influence grants them control over critical access points to internet networks, websites, and various platforms. They not only impose restrictions but also possess the capability to sever connections that should be accessible to the public. Consequently, in practice, the use of digital technologies can give rise to digital authoritarianism. This form of authoritarianism often finds its roots in foreign influence.
Key Themes Include
We invite submissions for papers that investigate digital complexity and disinformation within the ASEAN countries, Australia, and the broader Indo-Pacific region. While we encourage submissions across various related topics, potential themes include but are not limited to:
- Digital consumption, digital divides, and the disruptive impact of disinformation operations
- Digital technologies and foreign influence in the region.
- The evolving landscape of digital authoritarianism
- Politics and the change in information ecosystem
- Politics, artificial intelligence, and democracy
- Digital complexity and the nurturing social cohesion
- Mitigating and countering disinformation via digital technologies
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract and bio submissions (250-300 words each) are invited from scholars exploring the conference's themes.
- Submissions should include a clear methodology, theoretical framework, and potential contributions to the discourse.
- Please indicate the relevance of your research to the context of the ASEAN countries, Australia, and the Indo-Pacific region and the conference themes.
Publication Details
We aspire to publish this significant contribution to the scholarly discourse with a prestigious university press, such as Edinburgh University Press.
Zoom Registration
Link here: Hybrid Conference Zoom Registration
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 31 May 2024
- Notification of Acceptance: 15 June 2024
- Paper Draft Submission: 15 September May 2024
- Conference Date: 25-26 September 2024
Funding
This conference is supported by 1. The Australian Research Council [ARC] under Discovery Grant [DP220100829], Religious Populism, Emotions and Political Mobilisation; 2. The Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI) Deakin University GDP Stream Grant.
Contact Information
For inquiries and submissions, please contact Hasnan Bachtiar at hasnan.bachtiar@deakin.edu.au
We look forward to your contributions and the vibrant discussions ahead.
Sincerely,
Conference Organisers
