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: Paperback / softback
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 Russian borders, infiltrating foreign policy and weaponizing history. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark example of this phenomenon. In the Western world, spin doctors and political consultants go beyond influencing media and running campaigns. They have actively constructed parallel universes of alternative political realities, shaping public perception and influencing political discourse. Countries across the globe have adopted various forms of political technology, with notable examples including Hungary's dismantling of democracy through the use of political technology and the BJP's consolidation of unprecedented power in India. Learning from one another, countries have developed and deployed a wide array of manipulation techniques, ranging from astroturfing and fake parties to propaganda apps. This book emphasizes that political technology extends far beyond online disinformation, constituting a new and evolving industry of political engineering. It explores the intricate ways in which technology is being harnessed to shape political outcomes, challenge democratic norms, and manipulate public opinion on a global scale.

ISBN-13: 9781009355339