Decision-Making and Tactical Shifts in Anti-Authoritarian Movements (Pre-Recorded)

• In Event: Repression, Mobilization and Protest Under Autocracy

Abstract

An ability to make decisions and readjust tactics has always been fundamental to the sustainability of social movements, but the increased reliance of movements on digital technologies altered this ability. Studies that analysed social movements of the pre-platform age often link decision making capabilities to leadership. This linkage highlights the dilemma of power asymmetry: the need to ensure the survival of the organisation is flanked by the impossibility of rendering power asymmetry explicit, since, should this happen, the solidarity is subjected to the threat of a breakdown. Melucci distinguished at least five strategies to resolve this dilemma that range from diffusing leadership to concealing decision making functions. At the same time, the theories of network movements argue that movements with horizontal-like organisational structures – a common configuration in recent years - have no effective means to make decisions and, therefore, the strategic capacity to shift their tactic. For instance, Tufekci argues that the “leaderless sensibility” and participatory structures of anti-authoritarian movements result in weaknesses in decision-making and acting capabilities. Yet, some network movements appear to be able to shift tactic and, at the same time, preserve the perception of being horizontal. What are the factors that make this possible? How do network movements approach the dilemma of power asymmetry? Our study addresses these questions by investigating the use of digital platforms by the anti-authoritarian movement in Belarus in 2020. We use content analysis, thematic analysis and network analysis to study 4,250 posts shared on fourteen key social media venues used by the activists of the movement in August 2020.
We found that the movement extensively relied on Telegram, a messaging app, to mobilise and coordinate participants. The use of this app broadened organisational and decision-making capabilities of this anti-authoritarian movement introducing opportunities to shift tactics quickly depending on the circumstances. In particular, the app was used as a platform where decisions were discussed collectively and broadcasted. This allowed activists to approach the dilemma of power asymmetry.

Author

• Aliaksandr Herasimenka, University of Oxford