Political conflict interactions of urban communities: network aspects

Abstract

The article deals with the problems of network interactions of urban communities in the context of political conflicts. The theoretical foundations of the study are developed in line with the theory of political networks. In particular, the concept of “heterarchies” is used to describe interactions in the course of conflicts between hierarchical and network structures. The explanatory model proposed by the authors is also focused on the components of the network approach, revealing the mechanisms and ways of shaping the political agenda and making decisions using the potential of political networks. In addition, an analysis of the impact of network interactions on the development of urban communities was carried out. The empirical component of the article is based on the results of research conducted by the authors in three large regional centers of the Russian Federation in 2019– 2020. The 2019 study was conducted in the format of semi-structured expert interviews with leaders of urban communities in Voronezh, Krasnodar and Yaroslavl. In 2020, an expert survey was conducted in the same cities. In total, 34 experts were interviewed, representing urban communities, authorities, research centers, business structures, etc. Based on the results of the research, conclusions were drawn about the empowerment of urban communities to participate in decision-making at the municipal level within the framework of network relations, as well as the prevalence of a constructive approach to interactions with opponents in political conflict processes. At the same time, limiting their influence on decision-making processes to the role of the “attentive public”, which is observed at the present time, can contribute to the expansion of destructive, in particular, protest forms of political activity.