The AGE argues that if the integrity of the concept of a nation state is damaged, it threatens the network of democracies that rely on each other as allies. For this reason, the events surrounding the US election need closer examination from citizens in all democracies.
The internet has created a back door for foreign meddling in a way that undermines Westphalian sovereignty.
The full impact of the internet on democracy is only becoming clear now. The traditional strength of democracies, their openness, becomes a vulnerability that beckons outsiders with bad intentions.
Thanks to the internet and social media in a polarised political environment, one side's election victory becomes increasingly hard for its opponents to accept.
Significant questions about his relationship with Russia are: what financial relationship does he have with Russia? What is the relationship between ex-advisers such as Carter Page and Paul Manafort and Russia? Why did Russian hackers hand over documents from Hillary Clinton and the Democrats to WikiLeaks and other groups but none from Mr Trump's camp?
The fallout of any Russian effort to help Mr Trump into the White House reverberates well past America's shores. Australia's position as a Western democracy with close ties in the growing Asian region should be of particular concern. Australia could one day find itself in an uphill battle against a larger power seeking to influence Canberra's politics via the internet.
In this globalised, web-connected world, an injury to one liberal democracy can be seen as an injury to all. If the integrity of the concept of a nation state is damaged, it threatens the network of democracies that rely on each other as allies. For this reason, the events surrounding the US election merit closer examination from citizens in all democracies.
