Mai Van Tran
@vmtran.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Political Science, Northern Illinois University, studying mass contention & social media in Southeast Asia, PhD Cornell. For more stuff: https://www.vanmaitran.com/
Pinned
Mai Van Tran
@vmtran.bsky.social
· May 12
Now you can directly download our guides via our Telegram chatbot! Check it out: t.me/DigidefBot 🤳
I also shared more about what motivated this project here: www.brussels-school.be/output/news/...
I also shared more about what motivated this project here: www.brussels-school.be/output/news/...
Reposted by Mai Van Tran
Delighted to see my article on the #Myanmar military junta's foreign relations since the 2021 military coup is now available for download with Asian Politics & Policy. Massive thanks to @markscogan.bsky.social for the invitation to join this special issue: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
November 6, 2025 at 6:13 AM
Delighted to see my article on the #Myanmar military junta's foreign relations since the 2021 military coup is now available for download with Asian Politics & Policy. Massive thanks to @markscogan.bsky.social for the invitation to join this special issue: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Mai Van Tran
Our Call for Papers for the Spring 2026 is now open!
Submit your proposal by November 9th using this link: forms.gle/SvZv98ke4QUT...
For more information visit: apsg.work/cfp/
Submit your proposal by November 9th using this link: forms.gle/SvZv98ke4QUT...
For more information visit: apsg.work/cfp/
Apply to Present Your Work!
Complete the form to be considered for the Authoritarian Political Systems Group Spring 2026 Season. Read the Seminar Rules before applying.
forms.gle
October 1, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Our Call for Papers for the Spring 2026 is now open!
Submit your proposal by November 9th using this link: forms.gle/SvZv98ke4QUT...
For more information visit: apsg.work/cfp/
Submit your proposal by November 9th using this link: forms.gle/SvZv98ke4QUT...
For more information visit: apsg.work/cfp/
Come be my colleague! I’ve just started at NIU but really enjoy being part of this supportive community.
The Department of Philosophy and Center for Southeast Asian Studies invite applications for a joint tenure-track position in Buddhist Studies.
employment.niu.edu/postings/86698
The Department of Philosophy and Center for Southeast Asian Studies invite applications for a joint tenure-track position in Buddhist Studies.
employment.niu.edu/postings/86698
Assistant Professor, Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Professor in Buddhist Studies
The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Professor in Buddhist Studies will be an active researcher who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses for the Department of Philosophy and the Center for Sout...
employment.niu.edu
September 24, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Come be my colleague! I’ve just started at NIU but really enjoy being part of this supportive community.
The Department of Philosophy and Center for Southeast Asian Studies invite applications for a joint tenure-track position in Buddhist Studies.
employment.niu.edu/postings/86698
The Department of Philosophy and Center for Southeast Asian Studies invite applications for a joint tenure-track position in Buddhist Studies.
employment.niu.edu/postings/86698
Reposted by Mai Van Tran
After a sweeping social media ban, Nepal saw its bloodiest unrest in decades. What has happened in Nepal is a warning to other democracies to tread carefully with efforts to contain online expression, writes Samik Kharel.
Lessons from Nepal on the High Cost of Controlling Online Expression | TechPolicy.Press
The Nepalese government attempted to control the information ecosystem and lost control of the state itself, writes Samik Kharel.
bit.ly
September 14, 2025 at 12:00 AM
After a sweeping social media ban, Nepal saw its bloodiest unrest in decades. What has happened in Nepal is a warning to other democracies to tread carefully with efforts to contain online expression, writes Samik Kharel.
This resonates well beyond media & communication studies
What does #decolonization really mean in media studies? Tanja Bosch insists it must be rooted in anti-capitalist praxis and citation politics, challenging extractive academic hierarchies and advocating for insurgent, relational scholarship. #OnlineFirst
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
August 28, 2025 at 4:55 PM
This resonates well beyond media & communication studies
Reposted by Mai Van Tran
TikTok in Myanmar isn’t just entertainment.
It’s a frontline in the information war — exploited by the military & nationalists to spread propaganda, incite violence, and profit from harmful content.
#Myanmar #TikTok #DigitalRights
Full report: www.myanmarinternet.info/post/weaponi...
It’s a frontline in the information war — exploited by the military & nationalists to spread propaganda, incite violence, and profit from harmful content.
#Myanmar #TikTok #DigitalRights
Full report: www.myanmarinternet.info/post/weaponi...
August 26, 2025 at 3:22 AM
TikTok in Myanmar isn’t just entertainment.
It’s a frontline in the information war — exploited by the military & nationalists to spread propaganda, incite violence, and profit from harmful content.
#Myanmar #TikTok #DigitalRights
Full report: www.myanmarinternet.info/post/weaponi...
It’s a frontline in the information war — exploited by the military & nationalists to spread propaganda, incite violence, and profit from harmful content.
#Myanmar #TikTok #DigitalRights
Full report: www.myanmarinternet.info/post/weaponi...
Reposted by Mai Van Tran
Teaching Data Science? Frame the course in the context of data pipelines!
This gives structure to the big picture, allows for a natural scaffolding, and supports a critical look at common pitfalls along the pipeline.
This gives structure to the big picture, allows for a natural scaffolding, and supports a critical look at common pitfalls along the pipeline.
August 9, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Teaching Data Science? Frame the course in the context of data pipelines!
This gives structure to the big picture, allows for a natural scaffolding, and supports a critical look at common pitfalls along the pipeline.
This gives structure to the big picture, allows for a natural scaffolding, and supports a critical look at common pitfalls along the pipeline.
Reposted by Mai Van Tran
8/ We hope this piece resonates and highlights ongoing efforts to shift knowledge politics in Myanmar, as part of longer struggles over centre-periphery relations.
Read it here: 👉 teacirclemyanmar.com/education/pr...
#Myanmar #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar
Read it here: 👉 teacirclemyanmar.com/education/pr...
#Myanmar #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar
Producing knowledge in/of/for Myanmar’s borderlands - Tea Circle
The authors reflect on the politics of producing borderland knowledge in Myanmar after the coup.
teacirclemyanmar.com
July 28, 2025 at 10:02 AM
8/ We hope this piece resonates and highlights ongoing efforts to shift knowledge politics in Myanmar, as part of longer struggles over centre-periphery relations.
Read it here: 👉 teacirclemyanmar.com/education/pr...
#Myanmar #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar
Read it here: 👉 teacirclemyanmar.com/education/pr...
#Myanmar #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar
Reposted by Mai Van Tran
YouTube's API search function is "not adequate for robust academic research, especially concerning Digital Services Act requirements".
Clear and problematic conclusions by @riederb.bsky.social Adrian Padilla & Oscar Coromina
#commsky #DSA #dataacess #youtube
arxiv.org/abs/2506.11727
Clear and problematic conclusions by @riederb.bsky.social Adrian Padilla & Oscar Coromina
#commsky #DSA #dataacess #youtube
arxiv.org/abs/2506.11727
Forgetful by Design? A Critical Audit of YouTube's Search API for Academic Research
This paper critically audits the search endpoint of YouTube's Data API (v3), a common tool for academic research. Through systematic weekly searches over six months using eleven queries, we identify m...
arxiv.org
June 26, 2025 at 3:38 PM
YouTube's API search function is "not adequate for robust academic research, especially concerning Digital Services Act requirements".
Clear and problematic conclusions by @riederb.bsky.social Adrian Padilla & Oscar Coromina
#commsky #DSA #dataacess #youtube
arxiv.org/abs/2506.11727
Clear and problematic conclusions by @riederb.bsky.social Adrian Padilla & Oscar Coromina
#commsky #DSA #dataacess #youtube
arxiv.org/abs/2506.11727
As part of a @techpolicypress.bsky.social series, I reflect on lessons in resisting Big Tech power from the Global South, based on comparative research of Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Your weekend read: www.techpolicy.press/lessons-from...
Your weekend read: www.techpolicy.press/lessons-from...
Lessons from Resisting Big Tech Power in Southeast Asia | TechPolicy.Press
It is more important than ever for Western donors to champion the inclusion of digital rights in their development aid agendas, writes Mai Van Tran.
www.techpolicy.press
June 20, 2025 at 8:40 AM
As part of a @techpolicypress.bsky.social series, I reflect on lessons in resisting Big Tech power from the Global South, based on comparative research of Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.
Your weekend read: www.techpolicy.press/lessons-from...
Your weekend read: www.techpolicy.press/lessons-from...
Grateful for the opportunity to share our research on Big Tech-mediated authoritarianism in Southeast Asia and connect with regional experts at the Indo-Pacific Roundtable 2025!
www.brussels-school.be/output/news/...
www.brussels-school.be/output/news/...
CD2I Researcher Mai Van Tran contributes to discussion on Big Tech-mediated authoritarianism at the Indo-Pacific Roundtable 2025
CD2I Researcher Mai Van Tran contributes to discussion on Big Tech-mediated authoritarianism at the Indo-Pacific Roundtable 2025
www.brussels-school.be
June 4, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Grateful for the opportunity to share our research on Big Tech-mediated authoritarianism in Southeast Asia and connect with regional experts at the Indo-Pacific Roundtable 2025!
www.brussels-school.be/output/news/...
www.brussels-school.be/output/news/...
📣 New open-access publication
As authoritarian actors have increasingly turned to Big Tech platforms to repress dissidents, pro-democracy activism has experienced notable changes. Our latest research examines an under-analysed yet important phenomenon of pro-democracy platform advocacy 🧵1/6
As authoritarian actors have increasingly turned to Big Tech platforms to repress dissidents, pro-democracy activism has experienced notable changes. Our latest research examines an under-analysed yet important phenomenon of pro-democracy platform advocacy 🧵1/6
May 19, 2025 at 10:34 AM
📣 New open-access publication
As authoritarian actors have increasingly turned to Big Tech platforms to repress dissidents, pro-democracy activism has experienced notable changes. Our latest research examines an under-analysed yet important phenomenon of pro-democracy platform advocacy 🧵1/6
As authoritarian actors have increasingly turned to Big Tech platforms to repress dissidents, pro-democracy activism has experienced notable changes. Our latest research examines an under-analysed yet important phenomenon of pro-democracy platform advocacy 🧵1/6
Now you can directly download our guides via our Telegram chatbot! Check it out: t.me/DigidefBot 🤳
I also shared more about what motivated this project here: www.brussels-school.be/output/news/...
I also shared more about what motivated this project here: www.brussels-school.be/output/news/...
May 12, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Now you can directly download our guides via our Telegram chatbot! Check it out: t.me/DigidefBot 🤳
I also shared more about what motivated this project here: www.brussels-school.be/output/news/...
I also shared more about what motivated this project here: www.brussels-school.be/output/news/...
📣 DIGITAL DEFENCE RESOURCES
As part of the EU-funded “Pro-democracy platform advocacy" project, our resources suggest solutions for specific harassment problems, based on our academic research.
The resources are available in English, Burmese, Khmer and Thai. Check them out: www.digidef.info 1/2
As part of the EU-funded “Pro-democracy platform advocacy" project, our resources suggest solutions for specific harassment problems, based on our academic research.
The resources are available in English, Burmese, Khmer and Thai. Check them out: www.digidef.info 1/2
DIGITAL DEFENCE RESOURCES
Explore solutions for digital harassment issues, based on academic research of Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.
www.digidef.info
May 5, 2025 at 8:41 AM
📣 DIGITAL DEFENCE RESOURCES
As part of the EU-funded “Pro-democracy platform advocacy" project, our resources suggest solutions for specific harassment problems, based on our academic research.
The resources are available in English, Burmese, Khmer and Thai. Check them out: www.digidef.info 1/2
As part of the EU-funded “Pro-democracy platform advocacy" project, our resources suggest solutions for specific harassment problems, based on our academic research.
The resources are available in English, Burmese, Khmer and Thai. Check them out: www.digidef.info 1/2
Join me next Wednesday (7 May), where I'll share my team's latest research on how major digital platforms’ negligence and incompetence in algorithmic content governance as well as their performative accountability might facilitate authoritarian repression.
www.lse.ac.uk/seac/events/...
www.lse.ac.uk/seac/events/...
May 2, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Join me next Wednesday (7 May), where I'll share my team's latest research on how major digital platforms’ negligence and incompetence in algorithmic content governance as well as their performative accountability might facilitate authoritarian repression.
www.lse.ac.uk/seac/events/...
www.lse.ac.uk/seac/events/...
Reposted by Mai Van Tran
The Call for Papers for our Fall 2025 Workshop series is now OPEN! Polisky Dictatorsky
To apply complete this form by May 31st: forms.gle/SvZv98ke4QUT...
You can find more information here on the CfP: apsg.work/cfp/
To apply complete this form by May 31st: forms.gle/SvZv98ke4QUT...
You can find more information here on the CfP: apsg.work/cfp/
Apply to Present Your Work!
Complete the form to be considered for the Authoritarian Political Systems Group Fall 2025 Season. Read the Seminar Rules before applying.
forms.gle
April 28, 2025 at 9:31 AM
The Call for Papers for our Fall 2025 Workshop series is now OPEN! Polisky Dictatorsky
To apply complete this form by May 31st: forms.gle/SvZv98ke4QUT...
You can find more information here on the CfP: apsg.work/cfp/
To apply complete this form by May 31st: forms.gle/SvZv98ke4QUT...
You can find more information here on the CfP: apsg.work/cfp/
Join us on March 26 in this #DRAPACSeries at @engagemedia.org as we discuss the research on pro-democracy platform advocacy, exploring the extent to which such advocacy might affect Big Tech’s practices and curb platform-mediated repression in the Global South.
engagemedia.org/events/drapa...
engagemedia.org/events/drapa...
DRAPAC Series: Pro-democracy Platform Advocacy: Resisting Big Tech-mediated Authoritarianism in Southeast Asia – EngageMedia
engagemedia.org
March 25, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Want to specialise in EU digital policy? 💻📊
The Brussels School of Governance (VUB) offers a Data and Digitalisation track in its Advanced Master on European Governance (EuroMaster) – an evening programme for students and professionals.
Explore AI, data governance and digital markets in the EU:
The Brussels School of Governance (VUB) offers a Data and Digitalisation track in its Advanced Master on European Governance (EuroMaster) – an evening programme for students and professionals.
Explore AI, data governance and digital markets in the EU:
EuroMaster Specialisation Track: Data and Digitalisation
The Data and Digitalisation Specialisation Track offers students the opportunity to explore the EU governance of digital transformation, data protection, and platform regulation.
www.brussels-school.be
March 25, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Want to specialise in EU digital policy? 💻📊
The Brussels School of Governance (VUB) offers a Data and Digitalisation track in its Advanced Master on European Governance (EuroMaster) – an evening programme for students and professionals.
Explore AI, data governance and digital markets in the EU:
The Brussels School of Governance (VUB) offers a Data and Digitalisation track in its Advanced Master on European Governance (EuroMaster) – an evening programme for students and professionals.
Explore AI, data governance and digital markets in the EU:
Reposted by Mai Van Tran
🚨 NEW REPORT – Better Feeds: Algorithms That Put People First 🚨
As policymakers around the globe grapple with addressing concerns about algorithms, KGI’s new report offers guidance on improving the design of algorithmic systems that shape billions of users’ digital lives.
bit.ly/3QzxVzq
As policymakers around the globe grapple with addressing concerns about algorithms, KGI’s new report offers guidance on improving the design of algorithmic systems that shape billions of users’ digital lives.
bit.ly/3QzxVzq
Better Feeds: Algorithms That Put People First – Knight-Georgetown Institute
bit.ly
March 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM
🚨 NEW REPORT – Better Feeds: Algorithms That Put People First 🚨
As policymakers around the globe grapple with addressing concerns about algorithms, KGI’s new report offers guidance on improving the design of algorithmic systems that shape billions of users’ digital lives.
bit.ly/3QzxVzq
As policymakers around the globe grapple with addressing concerns about algorithms, KGI’s new report offers guidance on improving the design of algorithmic systems that shape billions of users’ digital lives.
bit.ly/3QzxVzq
Join us on March 26 in this #DRAPACSeries at @engagemedia.org as we discuss the research on pro-democracy platform advocacy, exploring the extent to which such advocacy might affect Big Tech’s practices and curb platform-mediated repression in the Global South.
engagemedia.org/events/drapa...
engagemedia.org/events/drapa...
DRAPAC Series: Pro-democracy Platform Advocacy: Resisting Big Tech-mediated Authoritarianism in Southeast Asia – EngageMedia
engagemedia.org
March 7, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Join us on March 26 in this #DRAPACSeries at @engagemedia.org as we discuss the research on pro-democracy platform advocacy, exploring the extent to which such advocacy might affect Big Tech’s practices and curb platform-mediated repression in the Global South.
engagemedia.org/events/drapa...
engagemedia.org/events/drapa...
Reposted by Mai Van Tran
Hong Kong has been doing a deepdive into authoritarianism for 5 years now. What's happening in the US feels similar. A lot I want to share, but here's a start:
By @ramshajahangir.bsky.social with @nighatdad.bsky.social @camerana.bsky.social @mishi.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/what-happens...
By @ramshajahangir.bsky.social with @nighatdad.bsky.social @camerana.bsky.social @mishi.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/what-happens...
What Happens When Democracy Falters? Lessons from The Global Majority | TechPolicy.Press
A confluence of troubling trends is reshaping the landscape of global human rights and democratic governance in the Global Majority, writes Ramsha Jahangir.
www.techpolicy.press
March 4, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Hong Kong has been doing a deepdive into authoritarianism for 5 years now. What's happening in the US feels similar. A lot I want to share, but here's a start:
By @ramshajahangir.bsky.social with @nighatdad.bsky.social @camerana.bsky.social @mishi.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/what-happens...
By @ramshajahangir.bsky.social with @nighatdad.bsky.social @camerana.bsky.social @mishi.bsky.social
www.techpolicy.press/what-happens...
Such eventful few days at #RightsCon where I got to present, (re)connect with and learn from global digital rights experts! 1/2
March 3, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Such eventful few days at #RightsCon where I got to present, (re)connect with and learn from global digital rights experts! 1/2
Among other pressing issues re: tech-facilitated GBV, a panelist emphasized how access to entertainment should be considered a right! especially for people facing violence on a frequent basis #RightsCon2025
February 24, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Among other pressing issues re: tech-facilitated GBV, a panelist emphasized how access to entertainment should be considered a right! especially for people facing violence on a frequent basis #RightsCon2025
Strong start to #RightsCon 2025 in Taipei: The panel on "Platform accountability in crisis?" raises concerns on growing collab between Big Tech & authoritarian leaders in many parts of the Global South & North and highlights the need to look into potential responses... 1/2
DSA Human Rights Alliance
The DSA HR AllianceThe European Union’s regulations and policy-making decisions on technology and the internet have unique influence across the globe. But with great influence comes great responsibili...
www.eff.org
February 24, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Strong start to #RightsCon 2025 in Taipei: The panel on "Platform accountability in crisis?" raises concerns on growing collab between Big Tech & authoritarian leaders in many parts of the Global South & North and highlights the need to look into potential responses... 1/2