Digital developments increasingly influence the core aspects of democratic life. On the one hand, digitalization expands the possibilities for information, communication, transparency, and participation processes. On the other hand, digital technologies inhibit the danger of contributing to the rapid spread of misinformation and manipulation. As a result, digitalization can either promote democratic discourse or contribute to its decline. It can both reduce and increase inclusivity and social inequalities. Different approaches are therefore needed to successfully shape the interplay between democracy and digitalization. State regulation of network policy challenges such as data protection or the promotion of political digital media competence are central aspects here. The Digitalization and Democracy focal area examines how democracy changes in digital constellations and how democratic values can be strengthened in the digital space.
Democracy 2.0 – Strengthening Liberal Values in the Age of Digital Disruption
Against the backdrop of rising disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks, the Aspen Institute Germany, together with Microsoft Berlin, is hosting a two-part workshop series with international experts from politics, business, academia, and civil society on digital operations in war times.
Digital Dish Series
The event series brings together a select group of high-level stakeholders to discuss pressing digital policy challenges.
Disinformation and the Role of Social Media Influencers in Times of Crises, Conflicts, and Wars
A new project brings together social media influencers from Germany and Central and Eastern Europe to develop best practices against disinformation.
Engaging German Influencers Initiative
The workshop-series brings together German influencers, policy-makers, and representatives from the media and civil society to discuss their role regarding democracy, (platform) regulation, ethical media use, and disinformation.
Media Literacy Initiative
The project connected students from Berlin, Dresden, and California’s Silicon Valley with international experts to teach the students how to competently deal with digital disinformation and hate speech.
COVID-19 and Tech Virtual Conversation Series
In 2020, the Aspen Institute Germany launched a virtual eight-part conversation series looking at the role of tech in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, Europe, and the transatlantic space.
Tech and the Worker Series: Overcoming the Conundrums of the “Great Decoupling”
Aspen Germany hosted a four-part workshop series focusing on the question of how Europe, the United States and other industrial powers can thrive in the face of the great decoupling of productivity from wages and jobs.
