The overall theme of this event is the growing impact of digital media  in repressive regimes. The seminar is designed to present ongoing  international research as well as to promote new original research and  facilitate academic exchange. The specific purposes of the seminar  are, first, to discuss how Internet, mobile phones and other digital  networked technologies may provide a novel component in the public  sphere in repressive regimes, and secondly, to examine the extent and  significance of these media for activism and social mobilization.

As the Internet both globalizes and deepens it gets a real-life impact  in the private as well as the public sphere. Citizens and  organizations use digital networked technologies to engage in civic  life, and at the same time contribute to increasing media diversity at  local, national and global levels. Digital networked technologies have  special significance in repressive regimes, however, where crucial  restrictions apply to public debate and the media. Some focal points  for the seminar are:

Methodological issues
A specific task is to examine and discuss central concepts and  approaches for introducing Internet activism into the social sciences,  for instance in relation to public sphere and social movement theory.  Furthermore, are there clear political distinctions between  ‘repressive’ and ‘democratic’ regimes or do we need more precise  concepts with regard to various regimes’ digital media tactics?
Digital media and their challenge to conventional public  sphere thinking
The concept of 'public sphere' already from the outset having a  Eurocentric ring, what are the new concepts, approaches and  understandings of the public sphere in relation to digital media in 
repressive regimes? How may we expect Internet and digital network  media to develop in repressive regimes and how may they contribute to  public social and cultural life? How will the authorities' adoption of  digital media for propaganda and possibly hacking affect the Internet  as a 'public sphere'?

Mobilizing for political change through digital networked technologies
Digital networked technologies may potentially mobilize civic action.  But how can activity in the virtual world have real-life impacts? We  need to examine this relationship to assess the influence of the new  technologies on society. What role do digital networked technologies  play in repressive regimes compared to democratic societies? Have  these technologies created new opportunities for networking and  association? We need elaborations on the intricate functions and  purposes of digital media controls, including discussions of  interests, political goals, values and strategies of government versus  users and activists.

A range of key-note speakers are invited; program and additional  information will be sent out in the coming months. The seminar will  take place at the Institute for Human Rights, Copenhagen, Denmark.
For paper proposals, seminar registration and the full seminar  introduction please contact:

• Caroline Nellemann, caroline.nellemann@gmail.com
• Ole Bruun, obruun@ruc.dk