Call for Papers: Politics and Technology in Non-Democratic Contexts

CP
Christopher Paik
Mon, Jan 27, 2025 7:47 AM

Call for Papers: Politics and Technology in Non-Democratic Contexts

May 26–27, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Organizers: Xiaojun Li (UBC), Christopher Paik (NYU Abu Dhabi) and Congyi Zhou
(NYU).

The study of political systems beyond democracies has gained significant
traction in recent years, as scholars seek to better understand the
dynamics and complexities within these contexts. In the 21st century,
digital technologies have become integral to civic life, introducing new
challenges while also being adapted by governments to strengthen their
governance. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has further
accelerated these trends, reshaping societal and political landscapes
globally.

This conference aims to provide a collaborative platform for researchers to
engage in meaningful dialogue on the evolving relationship between politics
and technology in non-democratic contexts. The event will explore emerging
research, theories, and methodologies in this field, as well as their
practical implications.

This conference is organized by NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU
Shanghai and will take place on the NYU Abu Dhabi campus. We invite
submissions from scholars that address, but are not limited to, the
following themes and questions:

  1. What are the primary opportunities and challenges for governance in
    non-democratic settings in the digital and AI age?
  2. How are digital and AI technologies used to manage societal change
    and maintain governance?
  3. In what ways do new technologies shape political dynamics, social
    movements, and public discourse in these contexts?
  4. How do digital tools influence societal structures, governance
    mechanisms, and relationships between governments and communities?
  5. What role do economic factors, including development and inequality,
    play in shaping governance and public policy in non-democratic settings?
  6. How do global trends and international interactions influence
    political processes in these contexts?
  7. What insights can be gained from comparative studies of different
    governance models and their use of technology?

We welcome submissions from different disciplinary perspectives and
methodological approaches. Contributions that offer fresh insights or
comparative analyses are particularly encouraged.

Submissions will be reviewed for potential inclusion in an in-person
conference at NYU Abu Dhabi, scheduled for May 26–27, 2025, in Abu Dhabi,
UAE. For selected participants, travel and accommodation expenses will be
covered.

Submissions can include an abstract, though full draft versions are
preferred. Please send your submission via this link:
https://forms.gle/6sg4npuCrL2zPpLv8
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__forms.gle_6sg4npuCrL2zPpLv8&d=DwMFAg&c=slrrB7dE8n7gBJbeO0g-IQ&r=a-hunnYQbw8JclYfWuESMg&m=sGZ0FANmnV3_-RwBLgW1N-7l8myyHe_hYuLzcGZsTIHxVbyDiAta-lhOo4g5TFIx&s=scb7IaKOCHN6smIqtL3Y6EhLJxSazXMSMpzDb9Cr8m0&e=
.

Submission Deadline: February 21th, 2025

Decision Notification: March 14th, 2025

Conference Dates: May 26-27, 2025

For questions, please email christopher.paik@nyu.edu or cz536@nyu.edu

--
Christopher Paik

Associate Professor
Division of Social Science
New York University Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island PO Box 129188
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Office: +971 2 628 5054
Mobile: +971 56 689 7569
www.christopher-paik.com

*Call for Papers: Politics and Technology in Non-Democratic Contexts* May 26–27, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Organizers: Xiaojun Li (UBC), Christopher Paik (NYU Abu Dhabi) and Congyi Zhou (NYU). The study of political systems beyond democracies has gained significant traction in recent years, as scholars seek to better understand the dynamics and complexities within these contexts. In the 21st century, digital technologies have become integral to civic life, introducing new challenges while also being adapted by governments to strengthen their governance. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has further accelerated these trends, reshaping societal and political landscapes globally. This conference aims to provide a collaborative platform for researchers to engage in meaningful dialogue on the evolving relationship between politics and technology in non-democratic contexts. The event will explore emerging research, theories, and methodologies in this field, as well as their practical implications. This conference is organized by NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai and will take place on the NYU Abu Dhabi campus. We invite submissions from scholars that address, but are not limited to, the following themes and questions: 1. What are the primary opportunities and challenges for governance in non-democratic settings in the digital and AI age? 2. How are digital and AI technologies used to manage societal change and maintain governance? 3. In what ways do new technologies shape political dynamics, social movements, and public discourse in these contexts? 4. How do digital tools influence societal structures, governance mechanisms, and relationships between governments and communities? 5. What role do economic factors, including development and inequality, play in shaping governance and public policy in non-democratic settings? 6. How do global trends and international interactions influence political processes in these contexts? 7. What insights can be gained from comparative studies of different governance models and their use of technology? We welcome submissions from different disciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches. Contributions that offer fresh insights or comparative analyses are particularly encouraged. Submissions will be reviewed for potential inclusion in an in-person conference at NYU Abu Dhabi, scheduled for May 26–27, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. For selected participants, travel and accommodation expenses will be covered. Submissions can include an abstract, though full draft versions are preferred. Please send your submission via this link: https://forms.gle/6sg4npuCrL2zPpLv8 <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__forms.gle_6sg4npuCrL2zPpLv8&d=DwMFAg&c=slrrB7dE8n7gBJbeO0g-IQ&r=a-hunnYQbw8JclYfWuESMg&m=sGZ0FANmnV3_-RwBLgW1N-7l8myyHe_hYuLzcGZsTIHxVbyDiAta-lhOo4g5TFIx&s=scb7IaKOCHN6smIqtL3Y6EhLJxSazXMSMpzDb9Cr8m0&e=> . Submission Deadline: February 21th, 2025 Decision Notification: March 14th, 2025 Conference Dates: May 26-27, 2025 For questions, please email christopher.paik@nyu.edu or cz536@nyu.edu -- Christopher Paik Associate Professor Division of Social Science New York University Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island PO Box 129188 Abu Dhabi, UAE Office: +971 2 628 5054 Mobile: +971 56 689 7569 www.christopher-paik.com