National scenarios of digitalization of political protest

Abstract

The authors consider significant changes in the political landscape associated with the impact of digitalization. The aim of the work was to study the changes in the characteristic features of political protests due to the introduction of new digital technologies in them. National scenarios of digitalization of political protest are considered through comparative analysis. Case study and comparative analysis were used as research methods. The techniques of the scenario method were applied. The object of the study were five cases reflecting the nature of the digitalization of political protest: protests against the extradition bill in Hong Kong (2019-2020), protests of those who disagree with the results of the presidential elections in Belarus (2020-2021), protests in France against the bill "On Global Security" (2020-2021), protests of those who disagree with the results of the elections in the United States (2020-2021), as well as protests in support of A. Navalny in Russia (2021). The result of the study was the identification of common and special characteristics of the national models under consideration. First of all, the variety of technologies used allows activists to form an alternative information agenda and involve broad masses of people in the protest. Secondly, the harsh reaction of the authorities to protest activity damages any attempts at dialogue between the state and civil society. Thirdly, the network nature of the organization of modern protests determines the trend towards decentralized protest management. Fourth, large media corporations in modern conditions acquire the status of independent political actors. Fifth, the request for anonymity in order to minimize restrictions on the use of digital tools in the future may also become a new serious challenge for public authorities.