Programs & Projects

Digital Threats to Democracy

Transnational Challenges Program

The Transnational Challenges Program examines issues that cut across both international relations and national security domains, including terrorism and extremism, disinformation, foreign interference, as well as the impacts of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on security and society.

The program currently manages a number of projects examining new forms of violent extremism, the shifting counter-terrorism landscape, digital threats to democracy, the mapping of democratic erosion and points of intervention. The program also contributes to the Institute’s core publications, podcasts and events, and public engagement through media commentary and consultations with government and industry stakeholders.

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
Program Director, Transnational Challenges
X marks the spot where free speech comes at a cost
Commentary
X marks the spot where free speech comes at a cost
Originally published in The Age
Overcoming digital threats to democracy
Policy Briefs
Overcoming digital threats to democracy
Using deliberative democracy to enhance trust and legitimacy in digital spaces.    
How can we regulate AI? Let’s just ask it
How can we regulate AI? Let’s just ask it
In the span of a just a few months, ChatGPT, an advanced conversational artificial intelligence language model, has gained over 200 million users worldwide. The artificial…
AI vs democracy: the battle is already here
AI vs democracy: the battle is already here
The race for Artificial Intelligence dominance is now on. And with the rise of AI has come dire warnings about its impact on governance and humanity at large. But the challenge…
Allies, algorithms and safety online
Allies, algorithms and safety online
Alan Turing’s pioneering work with algorithms in 1941 led to the cracking of the Nazi Enigma code, shortening the Second World War by years and saving millions of lives.  He…
Digital Threats to Democracy
Speeches
Digital Threats to Democracy
Watch keynote addresses from the Digital Threats to Democracy dialogue which was hosted by the Lowy Institute in October 2022.
Web3 is coming – with national security implications, too
Web3 is coming – with national security implications, too
One of the messiest and thorniest national security challenges is how to keep Australians safe from manipulative online content – now, and into the future. The matter cuts across…
ABC News Breakfast program
6 August 2024
The Saturday Paper
6 May 2024
Sydney Morning Herald and The Age: Please Explain
3 April 2023
ABC RN Saturday Extra
11 February 2023
ABC Radio National Big Ideas
6 December 2022
Inside Story
27 September 2022