The workshop aims to examine the complexities surrounding the transnational propagation of misinformation and disinformation, investigating its impact on societies, diasporas, politics, and cultures worldwide. We encourage contributions that shed light on this phenomenon across various disciplines and regional contexts.
The proliferation and (mis)use of new technologies, directed at manipulating public sentiment, open up new avenues for interdisciplinary investigations into the transnational and international dimensions. Consequently, we pose inquiries into how state actors, those influenced or sponsored by states, and non-state entities manipulate public opinion and sentiments in other countries via digital technologies, polarise societies, and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
Moreover, the academic exploration of the influence exerted by state and non-state actors in suppressing, vilifying, and manipulating transnational public sentiment and inter-group relations within diasporas—often accomplished through the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation—and the resulting impacts is still in its nascent stages. Yet, with the increasing complexity of infiltration by state, state-sponsored, and non-state actors, comprehending the methods and motivations behind the mobilization of diaspora communities by political and social actors is also crucial. We therefore ask how state, state-influenced/sponsored, and non-state actors influence their diaspora communities towards political ends that are aimed to pit people against each other.
We are keen to coalesce existing and emerging scholarship and disciplines that investigate the various aspects of the transnational mobilisation of diasporas, especially where it undermines social cohesion. While extant research has predominantly focused on China and Russia, our workshop seeks to glean insights from well-established case studies, including their methodologies, to broaden the scope of research into lesser-explored contexts, where authoritarianism and transnational repression are more subtle.
Themes
We are seeking papers that focus on the transnational dimension of repressive, authoritarian, and socially polarising forms of politics. We encourage submissions, but by no means restricted, to the following topics:
· New technologies and manifestations of sharp power
· The use of AI and software methods to undermine international institutions
· Digital technologies, international disinformation campaigns, and cybersecurity
· The mechanisms of transnational misinformation dissemination
· Case studies on the cross-border spread of false narratives
· Third actor engagement in disinformation in other countries
· The role of technology in amplifying and countering transnational misinformation
· Impact assessment on communities and societies affected by transnational misinformation
· Comparative studies on misinformation in different regions or among diverse communities
· Transnational activities of home states targeting their diasporas
· Diaspora activities and activism aligned with home country politics
· Diaspora activities and activism targeting host country
· Methodological contributions that engage with the question of transnational repression, transnational authoritarianism, and transnational populism or social polarisation.
Workshop
This workshop will be hybrid, held online and at Deakin University on 19-20 September 2024. Successful papers will need to submit a draft of 4,000 words no later than 10 September to be shared with the discussants and chairs for each panel.
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract and bio submissions (250-300 words each) are invited from scholars exploring the workshop's themes.
- Submissions should include a clear methodology, theoretical framework, and potential contributions to the discourse.
Publication Details
We aspire to publish this significant contribution to the scholarly discourse with a prestigious university press, such as Edinburgh University Press.
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 21 June 2024
- Notification of Acceptance: 31 June 2024
- Paper Draft Submission: 10 September May 2024
- Workshop Date: 19-20 September 2024
Zoom Registration
Please registration here: Hybrid Workshop 19-20 September 2024
Funding
This workshop is supported by 1. The Australian Research Council [ARC] under Discovery Grant [DP220100829], Religious Populism, Emotions and Political Mobilisation; 2. Deakin ADI’s (The Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation) GDP Stream Grant; and 3. The European Center for Populism Studies (ECPS).
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,
Workshop Organisers
