The authoritarian black box

What do Russians think about the war in Ukraine? How do the younger generations in Iran feel about their politicians? Are North Koreans ok with being sent to a European battlefield? Public opinion is often suppressed or non-existent in authoritarian regimes, making it difficult to uncover what people truly think. How do you stay connected with a country you cannot access?

The authoritarian black box

Location

De Balie

Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10

1017 RR Amsterdam

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Unpacking the black box that authoritarian regimes often are

The less freedom a state has, the harder it becomes to understand what is happening within its borders, especially when opposition voices and researchers have been exiled. The internet can provide a window into authoritarian regimes but is frequently censored and may not reflect the views of the entire population. Yet getting a grasp on (latent) public opinion, perspectives from inside the goverment, and other sources of information is crucial for assessing how firm dictatorial leaders’ grip on power is, what they believe they can permit themselves – and what they think they cannot.

With researchers and journalists we discuss the dilemma’s of unpacking the black box that authoritarian regimes often are.

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