Discussion Section Leader: Richard Dekmejian
"Communication and Its Use in Political Systems and Human Rights Activities"The workshop led by Richard H. Dekmejian, Professor of Political Science, discussed how contemporary communication technology is often used as a tool by government officials to sequester dissidents and further empower the nation state and legitimize the ruling elite. Communication is also used by non-governmental groups to preserve a space for grass-roots level growth. In non-democratic societies, Internet user groups constitute a virtual community forum to carry out political discussions which are forbidden in public. Technology is also used as a means to defend human rights and challenge government power.