“Spotlight on...” New Doctoral Researcher Elianne Shewring

What is your main motivation to address the topic of your PhD? 

I have a strong interest in the intersection of governance and technology, and would like to investigate how the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data technologies are transforming traditional state-led repression tactics. In particular, I would like to examine how digital repression is employed across the autocratic-democratic political spectrum and how it impacts state-society dynamics, socio-economic structures, and democratic processes. My main motivation for undertaking this research is to be able to offer valuable insights to policymakers and civil society organisations, and to advocate for the responsible deployment of these technologies, to safeguard civil liberties. 

What are you looking most forward to during your PhD studies? 

I am excited to deepen my understanding of digital repression and its broader implications while making a meaningful contribution to the field through original research. I also look forward to expanding my professional network, refining my qualitative and quantitative research skills, and forming new friendships along the way. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to pursue my PhD at the GIGA, due to its interdisciplinary environment and the numerous opportunities it offers to exchange ideas and expertise. 

What would you like the impact of your project to be? 

While there is a wealth of publicly available data on various forms of digital repression, this data has limited value without appropriate contextual analysis and interpretation. My primary goal is to uncover the unique digital repression story of each of my case studies, hidden within the data, and to present these findings in a clear, accessible manner that could easily be understood by a layperson. Secondly, I aim to provide actionable insights for policymakers and civil society organisations, empowering them to advocate for the responsible use of digital technologies. 

Qualitative or quantitative 

I believe that a combination of both methods is often necessary to uncover the full picture. 

Paperback book or eBook 

eBooks for quick work-related reading, but paperbacks for the pleasure of leisurely reading.