What is Computational Propaganda?

In today’s world digital landscape, terms like misinformation, fake news, and disinformation dominate discussions. But what lies beneath these surface-level concepts that are easily thrown around? Our latest Unpacking the News video introduces computational propaganda, an academically grounded term that explains the deliberate use of technology—bots, algorithms, etc—to manipulate information and influence public opinion. In this video, Prof. Dr. Estariol de la Paz covers: The definition of computational propaganda How it relates to fake news, misinformation and disinformation

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Why Does Georgia’s History matter in the Protests against the Foreign Agents Bill?

Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun gives some historical context to the protests in Georgia against the Foreign Agents bill. Ewan explores: - Russian occupation of Georgian territory how that shapes current political sentiments. - The significance of the Foreign Agents bill in Georgia in terms of their sociopolitical identity and the geopolitical factors at play. - What the future holds for Georgia - leaning towards Russian influence or joining the European Union.

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Episode 2: Ripples Across Borders: The Global Stakes of the U.S. Election

In this special collaborative episode of Civics and Cynics, our team of international experts from the Hasso-Plattner Institute’s Governance, Technology, and Policy Research Group come together to explore how the 2024 U.S. election might shape the world beyond America’s borders. Together, Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun, Dr. Juan S. Gómez Cruces, Dr. Jamie Ranger, and Dr. Umer Jan examine the impacts of a potential Trump or Harris presidency on diverse regions—from Latin America to Central Asia, Africa to South Asia. Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun brings insights into Eastern Europe and Central Asia, weighing how shifting U.S. support could affect the conflict in Ukraine and regional security alliances. Dr. Juan S. Gómez Cruces discusses the effects on Latin American immigration, trade, and political alignments in the face of heightened rhetoric and complex cross-border ties. Meanwhile, Dr. Jamie Ranger explores Africa’s unique position in global affairs, addressing issues like U.S. trade initiatives, security cooperation, and the influence of China and Russia on the various countries of the continent. Dr. Umer Jan rounds out the discussion with a focus on South Asia and the Middle East, where changing U.S. alliances with nations like India and Pakistan could have wide-reaching consequences.

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