Soft Power Viral: TikTok, Memes, and Transnational Dissent in the Age of Digital Influence
In a world where ordinary users can shape global perceptions, the dynamics of influence and legitimacy are being fundamentally redefined.
Opinion – Wi-Fi, War and West Papua in an Algorithmic Age
Jürgen Habermas envisioned a public sphere grounded in dialogue, mutual understanding and accountability – today’s digital ecosystem deviates significantly from this.
JD Vance: The Man, The Meme, The Bipartisan Paradox
Vance’s case represents the transformation of politics into a spectacle where engagement is measured not by votes, but by clicks, shares, and digital distortions.
Toxic Citizenship, Everyday Extremism and Social Media Governance
Beyond advocating incremental change, law makers should ask what sort of a society we have become when an ambulance service is driven off social media.
Interview – Maciej Bazela
Maciej Bazela discusses neo-fascism, including its resurgence in Latin America, the use of social media by neo-fascist movements, and potential countermeasures.
Interview – Swati Srivastava
Swati Srivastava discusses the concept of hybrid sovereignty, the power of Big Tech, and the use and regulation of artificial intelligence by governing bodies.
The Twitter Prisoner Dilemma and the Future of Digital Diplomacy
The Twitter dilemma may represent the opening salvo of a digital cold war between states and big tech companies.
Swiping for God: Islamizing Dating or Secularizing Islam?
Interactions on the social lab of the Muslim dating apps signals an ongoing negotiating process of what it means to be (a) Muslim, (b) secular, and (c) a secular Muslim.
Opinion – Twitter as an Orwellian Global Editor
Twitter’s current editorial role suggests the reproduction of geopolitical power dynamics, with its increasingly visible bilateral cooperation with states and their (political) requests.
Away from Political Parties into Lifestyle Politics: Young People in Advanced Democracies
Political parties need to revaluate their mission in an age of new media as newer generations replace older members of the electorate.
