Platform Politics in Europe | E-Democracy and Digital Activism: From Divergent Paths Toward a New Frame

Authors

  • Michele Sorice Luiss University, Rome Italy
  • Emiliana De Blasio Luiss University, Rome Italy

Keywords:

e-democracy, e-government, depoliticization, platform party, platform society

Abstract

In this article, we provide an overview of the main theoretical approaches to e-democracy, also considering that their history is intertwined with studies on e-government on the one hand and with research on digital communication on the other. In particular, we have explored the critical issues represented by the different models of e-government and e-democracy. Studies on digital activism have only recently met those on e-democracy, despite an apparent conceptual contiguity. The belated meeting between these two strands of research is to be found in the assimilation of many e-government/e-democracy practices in the context of neoliberalism and its tendencies toward depoliticization. The concept of platform arises at the intersection among studies on digital activism, e-democracy research, and the analysis of new forms of social organization: It seems to be able to constitute a common territory of research and mutual recognition.

Author Biographies

Michele Sorice, Luiss University, Rome Italy

Full Professor Luiss University, RomeItaly

Emiliana De Blasio, Luiss University, Rome Italy

LecturerLuiss University, RomeItaly 

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Published

2019-10-30

Issue

Vol. 13 (2019)

Section

Special Sections

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