Unit 4.
6 Political
Political Processes, Governing Bodies, and Laws: A Digital Society Perspective
Political processes, governing bodies, and laws are central to how societies function, and the digital age
has fundamentally reshaped these elements. From voting and campaigning to activism and
policymaking, technology has transformed how citizens engage with governance and how institutions
wield power. At the same time, digital tools have introduced new challenges, such as the spread of
misinformation, cyber warfare, and debates over privacy and surveillance.
Political Processes: How Citizens Shape Governance
Voting and Campaigning
Voting is a fundamental aspect of democracy, enabling citizens to choose their representatives or decide
on policies through referenda. Campaigning, on the other hand, is the process by which candidates or
political groups persuade voters to support them.
In today’s digital society, technology has transformed both voting and campaigning. Digital platforms are
now central to political outreach, with campaigns leveraging social media, email, and targeted ads
powered by algorithms. For instance, data analytics can identify undecided voters and deliver tailored
messages to sway their decisions.
Example
In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, data-driven campaigning played a pivotal role. Political parties
used social media platforms to target specific demographics with tailored advertisements, significantly
influencing voter behavior.
However, digital campaigning also brings challenges, such as the spread of misinformation, concerns
over data privacy, and the risk of foreign interference in elections.
Formal and Informal Political Participation
Political participation isn’t limited to voting. It includes both formal activities, like lobbying, and informal
activities, such as activism or joining a political movement.
Lobbying
Lobbying involves influencing policymakers, often through direct interaction. For example, technology
companies may lobby governments to shape regulations on data privacy and artificial intelligence.
Tip
When analyzing lobbying, consider both its benefits, like informed policymaking, and its risks, such as
unequal influence favoring powerful organizations.
Political Movements and Activism
Grassroots movements and activism aim to bring about societal change. Social media has amplified
these efforts, enabling movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo to gain global attention and
mobilize millions.
Note
While social media can amplify activism, it also risks fostering "slacktivism," where individuals feel
they’ve contributed by liking or sharing content without engaging in meaningful action.
Political Advertising and Propaganda
Political advertising is a key tool for persuading voters, but it can sometimes blur into propaganda—
content designed to manipulate public opinion, often by distorting the truth. In the digital age,
distinguishing between the two has become increasingly difficult due to the speed and scale of online
communication.
Common Mistake
Students often confuse all political ads with propaganda. Remember, propaganda typically involves
intentional deception, while political ads aim to persuade, which isn't inherently unethical.
Governing Bodies: Who Holds Power and Why?
Organization and Role of Governing Institutions
Governing institutions operate at various levels:
Local:City councils or municipal governments address community-specific issues, like public
transportation or waste management.
Regional:State or provincial governments handle broader concerns, such as education or healthcare
systems.
National:Central governments create policies that impact the entire country, such as tax laws or national
security measures.
Global:Organizations like the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) address
international challenges, such as climate change or pandemics.
These levels often collaborate. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, local governments
implemented health guidelines informed by national and global recommendations.
Analogy
Think of governing institutions as a sports team. Each player (local, regional, national, global) has a
specific role, but success depends on their coordination and teamwork.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
NGOs operate independently of governments and focus on specific issues, such as human rights or
environmental protection. Examples include Amnesty International and Greenpeace. They play a critical
role in holding governments accountable, providing humanitarian aid, and addressing gaps in public
services.
Non-State Political Actors
Non-state actors, such as multinational corporations or activist groups, also influence governance. For
example, companies like Google and Facebook shape digital policies through lobbying and their
technological dominance.
Self review
Can you identify a recent example where a non-state actor influenced a major policy decision? What
were the implications?
Conflicts and War: The Dark Side of Politics
Warfare
Modern warfare extends beyond physical battles to include cyber warfare, where nations or groups
attack each other’s digital infrastructure. Cyberattacks can disrupt power grids, financial systems, or
even election processes, creating new vulnerabilities.
Example
In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack affected systems worldwide, including hospitals in the UK.
Although not directly linked to a state, such incidents highlight the growing risks of digital conflict.
Terrorism
Terrorist groups increasingly exploit digital platforms for recruitment, propaganda, and coordination.
Social media, encrypted messaging apps, and even online gaming platforms are used to spread their
messages and organize activities.
Theory of Knowledge
How do digital platforms balance the need to uphold free speech while preventing their use for
terrorism? What ethical dilemmas arise from this tension?
Laws, Regulations, and Policies: The Framework of Order
Crime and Lawbreaking
Digital crime, or cybercrime, includes hacking, identity theft, and online fraud. Governments have
created laws to combat these activities, but enforcement remains challenging due to the borderless
nature of the internet.
Note
International cooperation is often required to address cybercrime, as perpetrators and victims may be
located in different countries.
Surveillance and Monitoring
Governments and corporations use surveillance technologies for various purposes, such as maintaining
security or improving services. However, this raises concerns about privacy and misuse. For example,
facial recognition technology can help identify criminals but may also enable mass surveillance.
Self review
Can you think of a situation where surveillance might be justified? What ethical concerns could arise in
such a scenario?
Public and Private Policy
Policies guide behavior within societies and organizations. Public policies are created by governments,
while private policies are internal rules set by companies or institutions. For example:
Public Policy:The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets standards for data
privacy and protection.
Private Policy:Social media platforms enforce community guidelines to limit harmful content.
Tip
Understanding the distinction between public and private policies helps clarify who holds accountability
in different situations.
Self review
How has digital technology transformed traditional forms of political participation, such as voting or
campaigning?
What are the ethical challenges of using digital platforms for political advertising and activism?
How do governing institutions at different levels collaborate to address global issues like climate change
or pandemics?
In what ways do conflicts in the digital age differ from traditional warfare, and what new challenges do
they present?
How can individuals balance the benefits of surveillance with concerns about privacy and misuse?
