Digital Politics: Digital Activism and Cyber Warfare

Discover the cutting-edge subject of digital politics

Recent years have seen serious upheaval in global politics, led by developments in digital technologies.

From controversies over state hacking to huge protests organised online and cyber warfare, digital technology is increasingly changing the way the world works. On this course, you’ll get an expert introduction to the fascinating new discipline of digital politics.

Learn what digital politics is and where it can be applied

Digital politics lies at the intersection of vital areas such as international relations, political economy, sociology, media, and communication studies.

You’ll learn how the field brings together the latest in political research and lies at the forefront of debates around national and global politics.

Explore fake news, digital warfare, and digital technologies

Explore how digital tech is changing activism and political campaigning, and work to understand how digital warfare is challenging international relations.

You’ll discover how the digital world is revolutionising politics in general, and fueling the global rise of populism.

Study with politics specialists at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)

You’ll learn from senior staff at MMU who are experts in the fields of digital politics and political communication and study with an international cohort of learners and politics students.

Come away with an expanded understanding of this vital area of international relations and world politics.

This course is aimed at learners seeking an introduction to the key ideas and concepts in the field of digital politics. It will be of interest to those working in the NGO sector, public services, local and national government, or international charities or business, or considering starting such a career.

The course will be valuable to those working, or considering to work in social media communication. Finally, the course will also be of interest to anyone wishing to learn more about the rapidly growing field of digital politics, political communication and global digital economies.

• What is digital politics: an introduction to the field
• Why digital politics?
• What can be considered digital politics?
• How do digital technologies transform wars and conflicts?
• What is digital war?
• Cyberwars
• War-themed computer games
• Social media as a global battlefield
• How do digital technologies change activism?
• Understanding digital activism
• Digital activism
• How do digital technologies change contemporary political campaigns?
• Understanding social media and algorithm
• Political campaigns in the digital age
• Final reflection