Media and Democracy in the Middle East

A study on the relationship between social media, journalists, and citizens activism in a politically and socially volatile geopolitical region, with a focus on quantitative analysis of the impact of social media on political participation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In a politically and socially volatile geopolitical region, a timely, relevant, and interdisciplinary analysis of media use, journalistic freedom, and citizens activism is essential. This analysis must delve into the complex relationship between social media and political participation, a topic that demands rigorous quantitative analysis. Furthermore, it is crucial to examine the authoritarian states' response to and crackdown on the use of social media by journalists and citizens alike, a phenomenon that has become increasingly widespread.

Social media has revolutionized the way individuals engage with politics and society. It has provided a platform for marginalized voices to be heard, and has facilitated the spread of information and ideas at an unprecedented speed. However, the use of social media has also been met with resistance from authoritarian states, who have sought to control and restrict the flow of information.

One of the most notable examples of this is China, where the government has implemented a comprehensive system of internet censorship and surveillance. The Chinese government uses a range of tools to monitor and control social media, including the Great Firewall, which blocks access to certain websites and apps, and the Social Credit System, which assigns citizens a score based on their online behavior. These measures have been used to suppress dissent and maintain the government's control over the population.

In other countries, such as Russia, the government has also used social media to manipulate public opinion and spread misinformation. During the 2016 US presidential election, for example, Russian operatives used social media to spread false information and propaganda, which helped to undermine the legitimacy of the election results.

Despite these challenges, citizens and journalists have continued to use social media to advocate for their rights and promote social change. Social media has been used to organize protests and rallies, to raise awareness about social issues, and to hold elected officials accountable.

However, the use of social media by journalists and citizens alike has also been met with threats and intimidation. Journalists have been arrested and harassed for reporting on sensitive topics, and citizens have been targeted for their online activity.

To address these challenges, it is essential to promote media freedom and citizens activism. This can be achieved through the implementation of policies that protect journalists' rights to report on sensitive topics, and through the promotion of digital literacy and education.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize the role that social media can play in promoting democratic values and promoting social change. Social media can be used to create a sense of community and to mobilize people around a common cause. It can also be used to hold elected officials accountable and to promote transparency and accountability in government.

In conclusion, a timely, relevant, and interdisciplinary analysis of media use, journalistic freedom, and citizens activism is essential in a politically and socially volatile geopolitical region. Social media has revolutionized the way individuals engage with politics and society, but it has also been met with resistance from authoritarian states. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote media freedom and citizens activism, and to recognize the role that social media can play in promoting democratic values and promoting social change.

Weight: 485g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032101286