The Threat and Promise of New Digital Technologies

Across the world, a profound set of technological disruptions is reshaping the relationship between citizen and state. Advances in artificial intelligence, mass surveillance, biometric identification, and cyber capabilities are dramatically altering how autocratic leaders control their citizens. These developments have given rise to several unsettling questions: what role is China playing in spreading advanced technologies to repressive regimes? To what extent are states embracing new tools to monitor and track individuals at scale? Does this pose a fundamental challenge to democracies and the liberal order?

Steven Feldstein will discuss his research findings, offer context based on his 13-year career at the U.S. State Department and Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and solicit feedback for a book he is writing on the intersection of advanced technology and digital repression.

First 15-20 minutes is for networking

Light breakfast included

Hosted by the Innovation & Technology Committee​