Political parties and trust in the context of digitalization of political communication
https://doi.org/10.30932/2072-6015-2025-112-5-40-56
Abstract
The article analyzes the crisis of political parties in the context of "post-democracy", manifested in a decrease in trust in them and their institutional role. Using the example of EU countries, the factors of political communication, including digital technologies and populism, affecting the level of trust in parties are studied. Using Eurobarometer data (2000-2024), the author identifies a correlation between trust in parties, regional governments, national governments and parliaments. The results demonstrate a systemic crisis of trust in traditional institutions, the strengthening of populist tendencies and the growing depoliticization of society in favor of direct social action. The work contributes to the understanding of the evolution of populism and its consequences for democratic processes. The theoretical framework of the study was the concept of "postdemocracy" to explain the crisis of representative institutions, the theory of network society to analyze the role of digital platforms. Based on the results of the study, the author concluded that the low level of trust in political institutions is caused by a set of socio-political factors under the influence of the digital environment. The development of digital communications strengthens populist narratives that undermine the legitimacy of traditional parties. Research has recorded an increase in direct social action. Citizens are moving from political protest to horizontal practices (for example, local initiatives), which depoliticizes society, but preserves the latent protest potential. The article systematizes the influence of digital communications and populism on the crisis of parties, offering new perspectives for studying depoliticization and alternative forms of civic engagement.
About the Author
A. I. Seravin
St. Petersburg State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Seravin Alexander Igorevich Candidate of Political Sciences, researcher
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Review
For citations:
Seravin A.I. Political parties and trust in the context of digitalization of political communication. P.O.I.S.K. 2025;(5):40-56. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30932/2072-6015-2025-112-5-40-56
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