Social Media, Democracy, and International Human Rights Mobilization

Abstract

This is an asynchronous online course, delivered over a six-week period. lectures, readings, assignments, quizzes, and discussion boards. There are three major overall course themes, one major theme for two modules, and each module is divided into two subthemes. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to address key topics including law, human rights, governmental forms, and technology. Ideally this will reveal insights into the potential of artistic creation in advocating for lasting global social change in international human rights.

The intersection of the arts, politics, and international activism has inspired creators, informed citizens, and motivated many social movements from democracy’s earliest days. This course investigates these diverse fields and activities. It aims to help students understand and constructively engage with authoritarian regimes’ harassment of human rights campaigners and democracy practitioners. It will also discuss recent online social movements that have captured the world’s imagination, including #ArabSpring, #BlackLivesMatter; #MeToo, and #OccupyWallStreet as well as actors like Anonymous. Recent events in the Philippines, Russia, and India show how human rights-related issues unfold as well as provide opportunities for Canadian learners to understand them, empathize with the oppressed, and respond constructively.

First, in the Philippines, take the case of Maria Ressa. She is the CEO and editor-in-chief of Rappler, the Philippines’ largest independent online media organization. The Rappler’s growth was facilitated by considerable investments in technology and journalistic resources. It also depended on partnerships and distribution through social media platforms, especially Facebook. However, use of this same global social media platform has been abused. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s regime associates, as well as his supporters’ networks, have harassed Ressa and Rappler journalists. They have even created disinformation campaigns using Facebook. This has culminated in the conviction of Ressa, her key deputy, and her company by regime-sympathetic courts for the crimes of “cyber libel” and tax evasion.

Second, in Russia, opposition leader Alexei Navalny exposed corruption and critiqued the current regime using social media, particularly YouTube. The Russian government has responded in kind, leveraging centralized organized disinformation campaigns and broadcast media to discredit Navalny as well as use courts to try to silence him. Finally, in India, farmers and the government have both taken to social media, as well as organizing in-person activities, in their ongoing conflict.