Dr P Arun, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, Easwari School of Liberal Arts at SRM University-AP, Amaravati, has authored a scholarly book chapter titled “Colonial Surveillance Mechanisms: Past and Present” in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Society, published by Oxford University Press (New York, NY).
The book chapter offers a comprehensive examination of the historical evolution of surveillance and its transformation across time. It traces how surveillance systems, originally established during the colonial era to monitor, regulate, and control populations, have evolved into sophisticated digital infrastructures that shape governance in the modern state. By exploring the continuity between colonial surveillance practices and contemporary technologies, the chapter highlights how data-driven monitoring, digital networks, and state institutions continue to reflect enduring structures of power.
Through a multidisciplinary perspective, Dr Arun critically analyses the relationship between colonial governance, technology, and political authority, providing valuable insights into the ethical, social, and political implications of surveillance in the digital age.
Reflecting on the significance of this contribution, Dr Arun notes that the chapter forms an important part of his broader research on the colonial legacy of surveillance and its continued influence in post-colonial India. The work demonstrates how historical systems of control have adapted to contemporary technological environments, offering a deeper understanding of the intersections between state power, technology, and civil liberties.
Published in one of the world’s leading scholarly reference works, this contribution serves as an important resource for researchers, educators, and policymakers. It will be of particular interest to scholars in political science, sociology, history, and Science, Technology, and Society (STS), while also providing valuable perspectives for human rights advocates, technology policy professionals, privacy experts, legal practitioners, and readers interested in the evolving dynamics of surveillance and governance.
Co-Authors & Major Contributors
The chapter features collaborative international expertise in surveillance studies. Alongside myself, Dr P Arun, notable co-authors include:
- Midori Ogasawara, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Victoria (UVic), Canada
- Smith Oduro-Marfo holds PhD, Department of Political Science, University of Victoria, Canada
- Sahr Malalla, PhD Candidate, Queen’s University, Canada
- Mohammad Hossein Badamchi, Associate Fellow, University of Victoria’s Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS) in Canada.
Click on the Publication Link to know more : https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/63015/chapter/565958122?searchresult=1#565958162