Bhutan’s Digital Future: On Our Own Terms

The question is not whether Bhutan will become a digital society — that process is already underway. The question is what kind of digital society it will become, and whether its citizens will have had a real voice in deciding. 

Pragmatic wisdom that has worked for Bhutan is to regulate progress at a manageable pace, meaning not to be pushed into a rat race that is controlled by external forces. The caution stemming from the need for a small country to survive in a large world has been a good approach to development and change. 

True, this meant that the country seemed to be left behind in several areas, especially technology, as the world moved through various phases to the digital age. But Bhutan demonstrated that a thoughtful approach to progress is advantageous in the broader and longer-term perspective. By learning from a world that prioritised economic values over socio-cultural wellbeing, Bhutan preserved what was important – its identity. 

Being the last country to introduce digital technology, including telecommunications, internet, and television, helped society avoid the damaging side effects of these powerful forces. But the times, as well as the threats, have changed. The same pragmatic wisdom suggests that Bhutan needs to move with the times that are accelerating. 

In the past, when technology was more sophisticated than a person, it meant doing the wrong things more efficiently. Today, technology (read generative Artificial Intelligence) has much more risky implications, some even speculating the destruction of human wellbeing. In this scenario Bhutan needs to adopt an approach to 21st-century technology which offers new and more efficient ways to preserve national priorities. 

The 24th issue of the Druk Journal aims to provide the insights to understand current technological trends and its impact on Bhutan which aims to become a first world country. The focus on technology will be on how generative AI is enabling Bhutan to move ahead in its governance systems, in making life easier, while keeping in mind Bhutan’s focus on maintaining its culture and its community bonds that have kept the country together. It will also consider how the “intelligence” of artificial intelligence can be tapped to achieve the vision of a developed nation. How can Bhutan adapt technology and AI on its own terms?

As generative AI reshapes economies, cultures, societies, and government systems worldwide, here are some prompts for articles to source ideas for policymakers, scholars, thinkers to help design Bhutan’s approach to technology for nation building.

The Druk Journal seeks contributions for articles under the following broad sections: 

• Technology, generative AI and Finance/ Economy 
• Technology, generative AI and public services E.g. Digital governance – what is being done now to use digital technology to enhance public services? 
• Technology, generative AI, culture and society – E.g. language, media, cybersecurity etc.
• Technology, generative AI, education and health

Questions that come to mind include: 

• Can Bhutan’s national AI policy and strategy meaningfully shape national governance, or will policies inevitably be shaped by decisions made elsewhere? What role should the government, the private sector, and civil society play?   
• Is the digitisation of public services genuinely citizen-centred? Are current legal frameworks on data privacy, cybersecurity, and information rights adequate?
• AI tools are already present in Bhutan’s schools and educational institutions. How are teachers and students adapting? What are the risks and advantages of using AI?
• Is AI being tapped for health purposes in Bhutan? 
• Is Bhutan’s creativity and culture threatened by new pressures? Is Bhutan ready to use generative AI as efficient tools?
• How are rural communities experiencing — and in some cases resisting or reimagining – digital transformation?

A note on what we are looking for

The Druk Journal is published by the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy and is committed to thoughtful, independent writing on Bhutanese society, culture, and public life. We welcome both analytical and personal writing that can be deepened with some literature reviews relevant to Bhutan. 

Alongside policy analysis and academic argument, we are actively seeking accounts from Bhutanese citizens — teachers, farmers, civil servants, entrepreneurs, young people — on how technology is affecting their lives. We encourage articles to explore the challenges and risks of adopting generative AI and suggestions or ideas to mitigate the risks on a small country and economy, and its ensuing implications for Bhutan’s culture and environment. 

We are also interested in critical perspectives: articles that challenge official optimism, document what needs attention, or ask whether Bhutan is moving too fast or in the wrong direction. All of the various perspectives deserve space in this conversation as much as those that celebrate progress.

Contributions should be grounded in specific, observable Bhutanese realities rather than global generalisations.  Articles will look at both opportunities and the risks. And they will be written with a reader in mind who wants to understand — and perhaps influence — the decisions being made right now.

Submission guidelines

Articles should be between 1,500 and 3,000 words. Research articles : 3,500 words. We welcome both academic and journalistic styles, understandable for a general readership. Shorter commentary pieces accompanied by research analysis of 800–1,000 words will also be considered. 

Please start with a brief proposal of 200–300 words — outlining your argument, approach, and relevant experience and submit to us by [7th May,  2026]. Completed articles are due by [15th August, 2026]. Email: ( tdj@bcmd.bt or Contact at 02-327903)

Timeline

We call for contributions to the next issue of The Druk Journal on the theme of Technology and generative AI – On Bhutan’s own terms?

1. Synopsis: Submit by Friday 8th of May, 2026 – Submit your concept or synopsis (3 to 5 paragraphs) to the editor, which will be reviewed, and sent back to the writer with feedback.
2. First Draft: Submit by 10^thJuly, 2026. Start writing the first draft after receiving the synopsis review. Early drafts will have the advantage of more detailed comments. The editor reviews the first draft and sends it back to the writer for further improvement.
3. Final Draft: Submit by 15^thAugust 2026. The writer finalises the article with necessary editorial inputs and changes and submits it to the editor for final editing by end of August, 2026.
4. Word Limit: 1,000 to 3,000 words (Research articles can go up to 3,500 words)
5. Font: Adobe Caslon Pro

Note: Refer to our style guide thoroughly before writing to orient with the writing style of The Druk Journal.

Style Guide

The Druk Journal (TDJ) Style Guide

1. The structure of the journal

•  The Theme: Each issue of TDJ will carry a theme that is contemporary, relevant, and important for Bhutan and Bhutanese society. It will be a journal of analytical, thought-provoking articles (between 1,500 and 3,000 words) looking at the theme from different perspectives. The length of research articles can be longer and determined in consultation with the editor.
• Each issue will contain a mix of approaches to the theme: a section of serious articles on the theme; articles looking at similar issues in other countries; interviews and book reviews on the theme.

Read More

Guideline for Use of generative AI

The Druk Journal is exploring the Use of generative AI and its disclosure for Contributors.
The Druk Journal recognises the growing role of artificial intelligence tools in research, and the writing and editing process. We support the responsible use of these technologies while maintaining our commitment to original scholarship, authentic author’s voice, and intellectual integrity. This broad guideline helps contributors understand when and how to disclose generative AI use.

Authorship implies accountability for content, accuracy, and ethical responsibility of contributors, and we typically do not consider generative AI tools as authors or co-authors. All work submitted to The Druk Journal should have identifiable human authors who stand responsible for their work. The Journal encourages original author’s work in drafting substantial portions of the text to maintain and build trust amongst readers.

What Requires Disclosure
Contributors must disclose when generative AI tools have been used for:
● Idea generation and conceptual development – including brainstorming topics, developing arguments, or structuring content
● Drafting substantial portions of text
● Data analysis or interpretation – when AI tools analyse datasets or draw conclusions
● Visual content: generating figures or diagrams.
● Creating summaries or synthesising sources – when AI consolidates research materials
● When disclosing, please specify: ● Which Gen AI tool(s) were used (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini)
● What specific tasks the Generative AI performed
● The extent of AI contribution to the final work. TDJ encourages original author’s work in drafting substantial portions of the text.

What Does Not Require Disclosure
Following the examples of other journal and journalistic publications, the following uses of AI are permitted without disclosure:
● Grammar and spell checking
● Citation formatting and reference management
● Translation assistance
● Transcription of interviews or audio content
● Basic copy-editing functions

How to Disclose
Include a brief statement in your submission email or cover letter, such as: “In preparing this article, I used [Generative AI tool name] to [specific purpose]. All ideas, arguments, and final text represent my own work and judgment. I have reviewed and take responsibility for content.”

For articles/sections where Gen. AI played a substantial role in content generation, include a note in the article acknowledgments section.

In the manuscript
For research-based articles:

● Consider including disclosure in a Methods section
● For essays and commentary: Include disclosure in an Acknowledgements section or end note
● If neither section fits your format, a brief Generative AI use note works fine. Include:
● Name and version of the Generative AI tool ( e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemnini)
● What you used it for
● The general approach or prompts you used ( if relevant).
● A note that you have reviewed the output.
Example: “I have used ChatGPT to help organise my initial research notes and to suggest relevant scholarly sources. All analysis, arguments, and conclusions are my own, and I have independently verified all references.”

Limitations:
Sources and citations: Please cite human-authored , verifiable sources, AI-generated content should not appear in your reference list.
AI generated images: TDJ does not accept AI generated images or visual content at this time due to copyright and research integrity concerns. All figures used must be cited from verifiable publications. Please use original photography, illustrations, or properly licensed imagery.

Your Responsibility as a Contributor
Whether or not you use AI tools, you are responsible for:
● The accuracy of your content and claims
● Verifying facts, data, and citations
● The originality of ideas and proper attribution
● Meeting ethical standards
● The quality and integrity of your intellectual contribution

The Druk Journal’s Commitment
All submissions undergo editorial review regardless of generative AI involvement. We evaluate contributions based on their intellectual merit, accuracy, originality, and alignment with our editorial standards. Disclosure of generative AI use helps us understand your process and maintain transparency with readers, but it does not affect our evaluation of your work. The Druk Journal will update this guideline as technology and publishing norms evolve.

Disclosure: This policy was formulated with the help of Claude AI to research AI policies of various journals and publications and based on research of publications, such as:
– Generative AI policies for journals, https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/generative-ai-policies-for-journals
– Research Guides at Princeton University,
– Disclosure on Use of AI in research manuscripts, Singapore Management University, smu.edu.sg and
– Disclosing artificial intelligence use in scientific research and publication: When should disclosure be mandatory, optional, or unnecessary? Taylor and Francis online

The content was verified through independent research on the websites and research into the publishing norms of academic institutions, publications, and independent journalism.