Resilient democracy

Democratic institutions are characterised by respect for fundamental democratic principles, that is, individual freedoms and rights, and the equal value of all people. The dissemination of disinformation and misinformation poses a threat to public discourse and by extension to interpersonal trust and trust in democratic institutions. The course adopts a broad systems perspective on the threats that disinformation and misinformation pose to contemporary democracies, with particular emphasis on how these threats can be countered in light of more general challenges and risks facing democratic systems and societies. A central focus of the course is developing an understanding of the underlying causes of disinformation and misinformation dissemination, the consequences of this spread, and how it can be addressed through both direct and indirect strategies and measures.