Marc Owen Jones

Marc Owen Jones is an Associate Professor in Residence at Northwestern University in Qatar, specializing in digital authoritarianism, political repression, and Middle Eastern studies. He previously served as an Assistant and Associate Professor at Hamad bin Khalifa University (2018–2024) and held roles at Exeter University and Tübingen University. His research focuses on social media manipulation, disinformation campaigns, and state control mechanisms in the MENA region. Jones earned his PhD in Government and International Affairs from Durham University (2016), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Tübingen University.

Education and Professional Background:

• PhD in Government and International Affairs, Durham University (2016)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Tübingen University (2016)
• Assistant/Associate Professor, Hamad bin Khalifa University (2018–2024)
• Tenure-Track Lecturer, Exeter University

Research Interests: His work examines digital repression, Gulf social media ecosystems, and the intersection of technology with human rights. Notable projects include analyzing state-sponsored bots, disinformation campaigns targeting Qatar and Israel, and the role of platforms like Twitter in authoritarian contexts. Jones is affiliated with organizations such as the Middle East Council for Global Affairs and Rutgers University’s Center for Security, Race, and Rights.

Awards and Recognition:

• 2016 AGAPS Best Thesis Award
• 2021 UK Alumni Professional Achievement Award
• Foreign Affairs 2023 Book of the Year (for *Digital Authoritarianism*)
• Teaching Excellence Awards at Exeter and HBKU

Media Contributions: Jones frequently appears on BBC, Al Jazeera, and NPR, and contributes to outlets like The Washington Post and The Guardian. He leads investigations into global disinformation trends, including collaborations with The Daily Beast and Reuters.

Labs and Affiliations: His research is supported by institutions like the Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South (NU-Q) and the Artificial Intelligence and Media Lab. Jones also directs the SEPAD initiative, exploring counter-revolutionary strategies and digital deception.