Helen Beny successfully defended her PhD dissertation!

Why are Internet shutdowns increasing in Ethiopia and India? How are ethno-religious secessionist movements suppressed? Helen’s dissertation uses structural institutionalism to explain how marginalized groups in Ethiopia (Oromo) and India (Jammu and Kashmir) are targeted by governments to suppress secessionist movements. Her work shows that regional Internet shutdowns are not just short-term authoritarian responses but stem from a long history of discrimination, present in both democracies and autocracies. Aside from showing the effects of shutdowns on marginalized communities, her work also demonstrates how entrenched inequalities foster digital discrimination against ethno-religious minorities. Her findings suggest that despite federalism and power-sharing arrangements to address past inequalities, they are ineffective in reducing ethno-religious disparities. Instead, both governments manipulate state institutions to target marginalized groups and intensify digital discrimination. Additionally, internet service providers are complicit non-state actors in enabling shutdown. The analysis through digital discrimination lens reveals distinct socio-economic impacts on Oromo and Jammu and Kashmir residents, especially women, affecting employment, resources, health, and security.

Helen’s defence was chaired by Dr. Katie Boothe and her supervisory committee consisted of Dr. Netina Tan (supervisor), Dr. Dr. Tony Porter and Dr. Cliff van der Linden. Dr. Admire Mare (University of Johannesburg) was the external examiner.

Congratulations Helen!