Summer Course - Digital Democracy In Southeast Asia: Ai, Social Media Propaganda, And Emerging Forms Of Repression

Course Description

This summer course program explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), social media propaganda, and electoral processes in Southeast Asia, examining further how these dynamics contribute to the state of democracy in the region. As AI-powered tools become integral to political communication, authoritarian-leaning regimes and political actors are increasingly leveraging them to manipulate public opinion, suppress dissent, and distort electoral integrity through targeted disinformation campaigns on social media platforms. The program presents case examples from countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand, where algorithmic amplification and bot-driven propaganda have influenced voter behavior and undermined democratic norms. Moreover, the lack of robust digital governance frameworks and accountability mechanisms enables political propaganda with limited consequences. This program aims to illuminate the role of emerging technologies in enabling electoral manipulation and calls for comprehensive responses to safeguard democratic resilience in Southeast Asia. The program invites distinguished speakers from diverse institutions and expertise, aiming to contribute to broader debates on technology, governance, and the future of democracy in the Global South.

Course Features

• Admission: Sep 2 2026 - Sep 30 2026
• Course: Sep 2 2026 - Sep 30 2026
• Seats Available: 100
• Faculty / School: FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCES
• Time: 02:00-05:00 pm
• Classes : Online

Website

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the summer course, participants will be able to:
• Analyze the role of artificial intelligence in producing, amplifying, and disseminating misinformation, disinformation, and digital propaganda in Southeast Asian political contexts.
• Critically examine the use of AI-enabled technologies and algorithmic systems to influence public discourse, political attitudes, and electoral behavior in Southeast Asia and globally.
• Evaluate the effects of AI-driven propaganda on democratic governance, electoral integrity, political participation, freedom of expression, and public trust.
• Assess how AI-fueled propaganda contributes to anti-democratic trends, including polarization, manipulation of electoral processes, suppression of dissent, and the erosion of democratic norms.
• Critically evaluate existing digital governance and regulatory frameworks in Southeast Asia and identify institutional, legal, and accountability gaps in addressing AI-enabled political manipulation.
• Develop evidence-based and context-sensitive policy recommendations to strengthen democratic resilience, digital governance, electoral integrity, and responsible AI use in Southeast Asia.