Markus Patberg
Many are calling for for reforms to social media platforms that will strengthen their democratic function. But to meaningfully reshape online platforms, we first need to determine their democratic purpose. Our goal, argues Markus Patberg, should be to empower civil society Read more
Mimi Mihăilescu
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but protest visuals, especially during political upheaval, read like novels. Mimi Mihăilescu shows how visuals aren't just for documentation – they persuade, polarise, and shape public opinion. In Romania, where two protest factions are currently clashing, visuals are on the frontline of political warfare Read more
Thomas Evans
Social media platforms allow radical political actors to communicate with, and organise at, the sub-national level, enabling engagement beyond existing activist cohorts. Exploring local strategies of dissident Irish republicans and the far right in the UK and Ireland, Thomas Evans analyses this phenomenon Read more
James Rice
In an era of misinformation and political polarisation, climate science is under siege. James Rice explores how social and political forces shape climate beliefs, arguing for a strategic, interdisciplinary approach to strengthening environmental communication and trust Read more
Mimi Mihăilescu
Elon Musk has endorsed Călin Georgescu as Romania's next president. But what happens when a tech billionaire and a far-right Romanian politician collide? A political firestorm. In a world where billionaires and populists are manipulating elections in the name of 'democracy', Mimi Mihăilescu shows how Musk has succeeded in weaponising Romania's sovereignty Read more
Mimi Mihăilescu
In the internet age, few figures have been subject to as much meme-driven mythmaking as First Lady Melania Trump. Mimi Mihăilescu argues that Melania memes reveal how humour and speculation can obscure the complexities of real-life individuals. They also reinforce harmful stereotypes and detach serious political discourse from reality Read more
Gabriela Borz
The Romanian presidential elections reveal the dangers of unregulated digital electoral campaigning, argues Gabriela Borz. To combat the risks and control the output, democracies should take urgent regulatory measures, and improve their citizens’ digital skills Read more
Yuting Alina He
South Korean democracy recently escaped the imposition of martial law. The turnaround, argues argues Yuting Alina He, was helped by the livestreaming of events as they unfolded in Seoul. Livestreaming may not be new, but it has recently developed into a powerful instrument of political mobilisation and change Read more
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