AI-Driven Authoritarianism in the Middle East: Transformations in Repression and Resistance

Arash Beidollahkhani

Artificial intelligence has become deeply embedded in the governance structures of authoritarian states, reshaping the dynamics of power, control, and resistance. Rather than merely enhancing state efficiency, AI reconfigures the relationship between rulers and society by enabling new modes of surveillance, anticipation, and regulation. This research examines the entanglement of AI and authoritarian governance in the Middle East, focusing on Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. It explores how these technologies shape civil liberties, regional security, and social mobilization, while highlighting their dual-edged role in both consolidating power and empowering opposition movements. Drawing on case studies, interviews, and social media data, the study contributes to understanding AI’s implications for governance, human rights, and democratic futures in an increasingly digitized world.

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