On July 11-12, 2024, our principal researcher, Beltsazar Krisetya, facilitated a session at the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Cybersecurity and the Role of Information Technology in Fostering a Culture of Peace in ASEAN, alongside discussant Whisnu Tribowo.

More than 20 participants from various professional backgrounds attended the event, which served as a prelude to the ASEAN-IPR Regional Conference scheduled for early 2025. The aim was to delve into the critical role of cybersecurity in peace and conflict contexts.

Beltsazar led a session focused on social media and its effects on political polarisation. The discussion explored the impact of cyber threats on political stability, highlighting the blurred lines between online and offline political polarisation, with social media acting as a significant amplifier of tensions. Participants examined the challenges posed by disinformation and misinformation, emphasising the need to understand the unique features of different platforms. The increasing engagement of older demographics in online political discourse, coupled with digital divides, necessitates action from ASEAN leaders to mitigate political polarisation.

Future pathways identified include developing accountability frameworks for social media, enhancing media literacy programs, and fostering cross-border collaboration to combat disinformation. While the role of civil society organisations in monitoring political tensions was acknowledged, concerns about their scalability were raised. Overall, the session underscored the complex nature of social media’s influence on political polarisation in ASEAN, yet there is cautious optimism that collaborative efforts can lead to a more resilient online political environment.

(Photo credit: ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR))