Lecture
LUCIR talk: Digital Authoritarianism in Practice
- Date
- Thursday 12 March 2026
- Time
- Address
-
Wijnhaven
Turfmarkt 99
2511 DP The Hague - Room
- 3.46
About this event
This LUCIR talk hosts Prof. Anita Gohdes. She is Professor of International and Cyber Security at the Hertie School in Berlin. In this talk, she introduces the concept of digital authoritarianism as a framework for understanding how political control is exercised in the digital age. Digital authoritarianism refers to a set of practices designed to bolster popular support for incumbents, weaken existing opposition, and preempt future challengers, using digital technologies. By focusing on practices rather than regime type, this approach moves beyond classical authoritarian contexts and captures dynamics that cut across different political systems. The talk will discuss a range of tools used to enact digital authoritarianism, including surveillance, censorship, internet shutdowns, and online propaganda.
Join the event
This event is open to all Leiden University staff and students. While registration is not required, it is important to bring your LU-card to enter the Wijnhaven building.