Research

The Chair of Political Communication is currently carrying out three research projects: (1) the Authoritarian AI project investigates how authoritarian states – in particular Russia – regulate, control and utilise large language models for propaganda purposes (funding body: bidt); (2) the ‘Central Asia in Film’ project examines cinematic content in the Central Asian republics since their independence (funding body: DFG); (3) the POLINOCULATE project investigates strategies for combating disinformation (funding body: EU Horizon Europe).

Authoritarian AI: How large language models are being adapted to Russia's propaganda

The bidt-funded project Authoritarian AI investigates how authoritarian states - especially Russia -regulate, control, and adapt large language models for propaganda purposes. It analyzes the impact of such authoritarian data on AI systems and its significance for democratic publics.

DFG Research Project Central Asia as Cinematic Territory: The power of culture

The project examines film production in the Central Asian republics since independence, its political role, and national narratives. It analyzes the transition from state control to market structures, production/distribution/consumption, and soft power based on state and independent films in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.