How Technology Threatens Democracy, P akistan’s Protest Crackdown, and More

February 11, 2020

Editor’s note: As New Hampshire voters head to the polls today, learn more about what happens in the lead up to the nation’s first primary from a special episode of the Brookings Cafeteria podcast, featuring interviews with party chairs and political leaders on the ground in the Granite State.

“Truth cannot be allowed to become a casualty of technology.” Following the digital issues with the Iowa caucuses, former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler reflects on the role of technology in spreading tribalism and misinformation, and argues that the business model around social media is fundamentally contrary to the ideals of democracy.

Over the course of two years, Pakistan has been censoring coverage of the massive, non-violent protest movement called the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). Madiha Afzal explains why a country that routinely negotiates with right-wing Islamists who take to the streets is cracking down on the PTM movement.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently decided not to grant expedited review of a lower court ruling that would invalidate the entire Affordable Care Act. Henry Aaron says the uncertainty created by this decision will impose real costs on millions of Americans, health care providers, and state governments.

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