How do new technologies shape contemporary politics? ACT Masterclass in Belgrade

On March 23, 2023, the masterclass "Politics and New Technologies" took place at the Hyatt Hotel in Belgrade as a joint event of ACT's Division of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Political Science at the University of Belgrade. It was a follow-up event to the 2019 partnership agreement between the two institutions. ACT adj. professor Dr. Christos Aliprantis and UBelgrade assistant professor Dr. Ivana Damnjanovic reflected on how technology has decisively affected and will further shape democracy in the 21st century. They also discussed the role of artificial intelligence in political participation; the political and societal impact of new modes of warfare; the sharpening of global inequalities due to technology; and the spread of misinformation and polarisation in contemporary societies primarily due to social media platforms. The event was well-attended by students at various levels of their studies; NGO professionals; educators; and technology experts, who participated in the discussion during the Q&A round.