Digitalization Processes in Politics as a Remedy for Democratic Backsliding?

• In Event: The Problematique of Democratic Backsliding in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

The paper looks at the political system as a structure of shaping digitalization processes of contemporary politics. One of the central research questions to be discussed is whether the use of digital tools by political organizations could renew and transform (citizens) political linkage and prevent further democratic backsliding and loss of trust or vice versa, will it perhaps lead to more illiberal turns. Effectiveness of digital transformations in re-connecting intermediary structures with society depends on the reactions of political elites, including populist and anti-establishment leaders, to, in some cases, relatively slow empowerment of digital citizens across many Central and Eastern Europe countries. According to recent DESI Report (Digital Economy and Society Index 2022, European Commission) the countries where respondents have skills limited to ‘online information and communication’ are Romania (10%), Bulgaria (9%) and Cyprus (6%). Together with Poland, these are also the countries with the highest share of respondents having limited digital skills (skills in 2 areas out of 5). This limitation together with adverse phenomena such as the diminished trust towards politics and political institutions, expansion of post-truth and fake news industry, or the shallowness of political information contents require looking for effective remedies sustaining democracy. Therefore the digitalization opportunities for political support/legitimacy and the input of political system will be investigated.
Research concerning the effects of digitalization on political organizations (political parties, trade unions, civil society organizations, NGOs, advocacy groups, interest groups and lobbies) is still at an early stage of development and dominated by Western Europe case studies or comparisons between few ‘trending’ cases. The impact of ICTs, online participation platforms, and data on political organizations ' capacities to broaden their organizational boundaries and reach more citizens beyond electoral campaigns is even less investigated. This paper’s objective is to address the existing research gaps using the preliminary results of the research project “Political actors in the face of digitalization of internal and external environment”. Initial research questions to be addressed: What digital tools political organizations provide for citizens and do they work effectively? Who (what individuals, organizations and social groups) use them, for what and how? What new digital tools are expected? How does this usage affect them and the political system? How can digital tools effectively empower digital citizenship?

Author

• Michał Jacuński, University of Wroclaw