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Abstract
To date, studies on the resilience of digital authoritarianism in China emphasize how the state has adapted its repressive measures—such as censorship and surveillance—to new technological and communication landscapes. However, this talk will explore how state measures and interactions that cannot be characterized as purely repressive serve to legitimize and strengthen state authority on Chinese social media. Drawing on three case studies, Dr. Luo will elaborate on the role of non-state actors—particularly social media users—in sustaining authoritarian rule. She will also examine other tools in the state’s arsenal for shaping public discourse. Overall, this talk will illuminate digital authoritarianism in China as a coordinated project.
Bios
Shifan Luo is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at McMaster University in Canada. She received her Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Albany . Prior to her appointment at McMaster, she was an assistant professor of sociology at Concordia University, Montreal. Her research investigates the intricate interplay among digital technologies, political power, and civil society. Two questions propel this investigation. In the authoritarian context, how do the rulers adapt to the digital age, and how does the adaptation affect civic life and discourses? In the democratic context, how does digital technology reshape civil relationships and civic engagement?