Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 06/2014

New Technologies for Constitution Making

Jason Gluck, Brendan Ballou

April 2014

United States Institute of Peace

Abstract

This report explores the role of new technologies in increasing participation of constitution making. Gluck and Ballou look at how using technology during the constitution-making process can strengthen the trust between citizen and government, build national unity, and promote reconciliation. New technologies—such as the web, including email, Facebook, and Twitter, and mobile phones—are opportunities to engage and educate citizens and build public awareness. Citing examples in Iceland, Ghana, and Somalia (among others), the authors illustrate the scope of these new technologies, the risks, and what may come from them in the future.