Using Technology to Improve Rule of Law Programming

• In Event: Collaborative International Criminal Justice Research: Successful Projects from the U.S. State Department’s Diplomacy Lab

Abstract

This presentation will outline a spring 2016 FIU Diplomacy Lab project focusing on identifying technologies that can be used to support and improve rule of law reform programs. For example, social media and other emerging technologies have evolved from merely a tool to share information, to one that can force change in society. In particular, social media has been effective in holding elected officials accountable, and recently Guatemala, has contributed to the removal of state leaders. More specifically, the presentation will focus on understanding how technology is being used to augment traditional rule of law reforms in partner countries. The presentation will focus on five case studies where rule of law projects are being supported by emerging technologies and identified how civil society is using social media to assist in these efforts.

Author

• Brian Fonseca, Florida International University