Instructor

Politics of Information, Department of Political Science, George Washington University,  Fall 2025

Information has become a cornerstone of politics, frequently referred to as the “new oil”, a strategic resource leveraged by states, companies, and citizens to achieve their goals. While this has been true for centuries, the widespread prevalence of global information networks and digital technologies, including social media and artificial intelligence, has amplified its importance. How does information shape political behavior, governance, and global power? How do digital technologies change opportunities and risks in the political arena?

This course explores these questions by examining the intersection of information, technology, and politics. We will analyze how information is created, disseminated, and controlled in various political contexts and investigate the challenges posed by disinformation, polarization, digital surveillance, and artificial intelligence. Drawing on academic articles, journalistic pieces, and global examples, we will examine how these phenomena impact public opinion, democracy, and global governance. Additionally, we will explore whether and how these challenges can be addressed.