Rapid technological advances are testing democratic principles. Autocrats are leveraging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things to deepen state surveillance and manipulation, as well as to shift global norms in ways that legitimize repression.

Yet emerging technologies also present opportunities. Making technology work for rather than against democracy will depend on civil society deepening its understanding of promising tech tools; guarding against digital authoritarian threats; and actively shaping the development of next-generation digital norms.