Digital Transitions & Society

Decoding the enigma of technology

in collaboration with the Centre for Fundamental Rights and Symfiliosi

Digital Transitions & Society is an interdisciplinary research initiative hosted by the University of Nicosia. Our mission is to critically examine the implications of emerging technologies on cultural and political systems. Currently, our focus is on artificial intelligence (AI), exploring its role in shaping our world.

Vision

We aim to prefigure novel democratic constellations and examine the consolidation of power, exacerbation of inequalities, and processes of de-democratization. Our goal is to provide rigorous scientific study and creative investigations that situate novel technological developments within current and emerging cultural and political trends.

We recognize that there are differing perspectives on the potentials, limitations, and challenges of emerging technologies. Our approach is to engage in a nuanced and interdisciplinary dialogue that considers multiple viewpoints and perspectives.

Our vision is to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and advance our understanding of the complex interplay between technology and society. We are committed to conducting rigorous and ethical research that will inform policy and decision-making, and contribute to the development of more just and equitable societies. We welcome collaboration with groups or individuals who share our vision and values, and who are committed to advancing our collective understanding of the role of technology in society.

Research Themes

  • Surveillance and rights
  • The state and politics
  • Media and culture
  • Borders and migration
  • Diplomacy and warfare
  • Labour and the economy
  • Democracy, ethics and social change
  • Environment and catastrophic trends

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Concepts

In the spirit of advancing, and pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge, we employ theoretical approaches that have yet to be comprehensively examined in technology studies.

The “state of exception” identifies a distinctive and non-reducible modality of power—one that despite its extra-legal character, nonetheless displays and exemplifies the force of law, thus operating in the excess of democracy. The state of exception suspends democratic oversight, centralizes power into the hands of the executive and enables state practices of a discretionary and often arbitrary character. However, the effects—and, indeed, the very threats—that are associated with, specifically, the digital states of exception are underpinned by the inherent capacities of digital technologies, which tend to overcome empirical, temporal and spatial limitations, being characterized by: (a) immediate data processing and transmission capacities; (b) automation capacities; and (c) operational capacities that are “global” in scope. In other words, states of exception and, by extension, threats to democracy can become compounded in the digital field and increase geometrically, far exceeding the capacities of democratic institutions to effectively counter or even manage their effects.

The risks associated with novel technologies concern not only the violation of existing legal, normative and ethical frameworks. They concern an ongoing possibility that may not be effectively curtailed by any existing or anticipated legal framework—that of articulating novel digital governmentalities, as well as innovative hegemonic constellations that may undermine democracy and human rights. In this respect, one has to consider the dangers associated with the automation of cultural production, which would ultimately direct social actors towards particular ends. Seen from this perspective, digitalities represents a distinctive modality of power through which hegemonic capacities can be actualized, in the service of particularistic interests.

Publications

A featuring list of our publications

View All Publications

Forthcoming

  • Anastasiou M. and Anastasiou H. Forthcoming. “U.S. Digital Surveillance and AI Policy: The Digital States of Exception and the Nationalism Constant” (journal article)
  • Anastasiou M. and Trimikliniotis N. “The Political Sociology of Artificial Intelligence: Three Concepts” (journal article)

Published

Latest Blog Entries

Populism and the Mirror of Technology
December 20th, 2024

Partners

Synergies for a democratic horizon

At Digital Transitions & Society, we believe that the positive transformation of our social-technological worlds is not a solo endeavour. It requires diverse synergies, guided by a shared commitment to ethical and democratic values. That’s why we’re eager to collaborate with like-minded academics, civil society actors, and private enterprises.

Ready to Collaborate?

If you are interested in our initiative, drop us a line and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Contact Us