Technology is completely reshaping the prevaling modes of organization in advanced democracies and, as such, shaking the very foundations of democratic governance. In this course we will focus on some of the changes brought about by technology with the greatest disruptive potential for democracies. The first part of the course will look at the role of technology in facilitating what is seen as one of the major threats to democracy: the spread of dissinformation. The second part of the course will take a different angle and analyze how technology is reshaping the prevailing modes of economic organization in advanced democracies looking also at the political consequences.

The course is divided in three blocks:

Module 1

In the first block, we will analyse disinformation, how it spreads, and its consequences from a political communication perspective. We will see real examples of disinformation campaigns worldwide and some of their consequences.

Module 2

In the second block we will assess the strengths and limitations of regulation and other strategies as possible solutions to the disruptive role of platforms in the spread of disinformation. In contrast to the first block, this block will rely on a legal logic and perspective.

Module 3

In the third block of the course, we will use a political economy perspective to analyse how technology has changed prevailing modes of organization in the economy (i.e., production precesses and labour relations) and the political impact of these changes.

General Competences

1. Identify data sources and conduct rigorous bibliographic and documentary searches.
2. Use data and theory to find plausible explanations of international phenomena, and establish how to validate or refute them.
3. Prepare and present reports or intervention proposals.
4. Be able to understand and communicate information, analysis and proposals in English.

Specific Competences

1. To learn what is disinformation, how it spreads and its consequences.
2. To learn about the future ahead.
3. To assess the limits and potential of regulation for containing the role of platforms in the spread of disinformation.
4. To understand the disruptive impact of technology in the prevailing modes of economic Organization.
5. To understand the global impact of technology on democratic governance
6. To understand different disruptive processes brought about by technology and affecting democracies.
7. To learn about the political consequences of technological disruption.