Political Technology: The Globalisation of Political Manipulation

Political technology is the professional engineering of politics, which has turned Russian politics into theatre and propaganda, metastasized to take over foreign policy, and weaponize history. It has also helped build parallel universes of alternative political reality in the West. This book shows that political technology is about more than online disinformation, it is about whole new industries of political engineering.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Political technology, a term originating from Russia, encompasses the professional engineering of politics, transforming it into a realm of theatrical performances and propagandistic narratives. It has spread its influence beyond Russia, infiltrating foreign policy and weaponizing history. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark example of this phenomenon. In the West, spin doctors and political consultants not only shape media narratives and manage campaigns but also create parallel universes of alternative political realities. Countries across the globe have adopted various forms of political technology, with notable examples including Hungary's dismantling of democracy and the BJP's consolidation of power in India. Learning from one another, countries have developed a diverse range of manipulation techniques, ranging from astroturfing to fake parties to propaganda apps. This book goes beyond the realm of online disinformation, revealing that political technology encompasses the emergence of entire new industries of political engineering. It explores the intricate ways in which technology is being harnessed to shape public opinion, influence political outcomes, and undermine democratic processes. By examining the global landscape of political technology, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics of contemporary politics and the urgent need for policymakers and citizens to address its implications.

ISBN-13: 9781009355285