The phenomenon of digital democracy: Modern theoretical dilemmas

Abstract

Analysis of the origins and main aspects of digital democracy is currently one of the highest priorities in modern social sciences. Theoretical approaches related to understanding this phenomenon often look unexpected and even paradoxical (for instance, the F. N. Howard’ s hypothesis on the digital origins of modern dictatorships and democracies, etc.). In this regard, quite natural questions arise. Is the current global trend towards the formation of digital democracy a purely evolutionary phenomenon? Or did a new type of democracy emerge as a consequence of a “new type of revolution” that formed its characteristic structures of political power and corresponding forms of hierarchical subordination and domination? Should this revolution be considered democratic or is it a different type of political revolution? Is it possible to record the process of formation of new political elites that are developing within the framework of digital democracy, which are replacing the traditional capitalist elites? Or are we just seeing another transformation of traditional power structures? It is very characteristic that many theoretical generalizations based on the analysis of political processes in those countries that experts have traditionally classified as the “third world” for many decades are subsequently used to analyze political processes in the United States and Western Europe and vice versa. This fact in itself indicates that digital democracy is viewed as a universal phenomenon, which in various contexts, depending on historical and political circumstances, can be interpreted both positively and purely negatively. In modern Western political theory, most definitions of digital democracy are, in one way or another, related to the analysis of various versions of liberal democracy. Its distinctive feature is increased variability — from a purely positive to a completely neutral or even critical interpretation of the latter. The very diversity of definitions is a significant confirmation that theoretical debates around digital democracy are not limited exclusively to the academic sphere and often acquire diverse and quite clearly expressed ideological shades. The initial problem is whether digital democracy is capable of bringing something qualitatively new to politics in theoretical and practical terms compared to other models of democracy.