From political activism to cyberattacks, the rise of technology is changing the face of regional engagement. Tech-driven political engagement raises concerns over the spread of misinformation and the manipulation of voters (NurPhoto/Corbis via Getty Images) As years go, 2024 has been big on democratic reckoning, and the elections across the Indo-Pacific have shown how technology impacts almost every facet of the democratic process. From the cyberattacks in Palau in retaliation for its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, to the young activists in Bangladesh who used social media to organise mass protests calling for electoral reform, the region provides a blueprint for building more resilient democracies in the digital age. The Indo-Pacific is an arena where the pressures of rapid digital transformation collide with diverse political systems, social structures, and economic realities. This makes it an excellent study of global challenges to democracy, and policymakers should pay attention. Five themes from the region offer a valuable new framework for analysis. Democratic resilience amid digital transformation Many Indo-Pacific nations are grappling with how to safeguard democratic integrity in an era of rapid technological change. While not exhaustive, some issues include the use and impact of disinformation campaigns, the role of digital literacy […]
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