New Books in Middle Eastern Studies
Marc Owen Jones, "Digital Authoritarianism in the Middle East: Deception, Disinformation and Social Media" (Hurst/Oxford UP, 2021)
Mar 29, 2025
Marc Owen Jones, an associate professor at Northwestern University in Qatar, dives into the intriguing world of digital authoritarianism in the Middle East. Drawing from his experiences in Bahrain and beyond, he discusses how social media is weaponized through bots and disinformation to manipulate public opinion. Personal anecdotes reveal the risks researchers face while studying state-backed digital manipulation. Jones also shares practical strategies for activists to enhance their online safety, while underlining the vital need to grasp this evolving digital landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- Digital authoritarianism in the Middle East leverages technology for manipulation, reshaping public discourse through disinformation and media control.
- To counter digital authoritarianism, it is essential for activists and journalists to prioritize online safety and promote digital literacy.
Deep dives
Understanding Digital Authoritarianism
Digital authoritarianism is defined as the use of technology by states and other entities to manipulate, deceive, and control populations. This concept is crucial in understanding how regimes can easily exert influence through disinformation and surveillance, particularly in the Middle East. The discussion highlights the emergence of 'digital superpowers,' like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which leverage technology to extend their reach both domestically and internationally. The book argues that digital authoritarianism transforms the nature of repression, as the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media allows for unprecedented control and monitoring of individuals.
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