THE DIGITAL SPHERE, CIVIL SOCIETY AND DEMOCRACY IN AN AGE OF GLOBAL POLITICAL TURMOIL

This article examines the evolving landscape of liberal democracies and their recent transformations, highlighting the rise of concepts like illiberal democracy and electoral authoritarianism, which prioritise leaders’ claims to popular legitimacy over traditional democratic values. While core principles of liberal democracy persist, interactions between democratic actors have significantly shifted due to global and geopolitical changes, disrupting traditional affiliations and identities. Key phenomena shaping modern democratic processes include the digital revolution, unmediated ‘immediate politics’, executive democracy, (neo)populism, anti-political sentiments, and the prevalence of voting ‘against’ rather than ‘for’. These trends are closely tied to changes in political communication, particularly the rise of digital platforms, which have redefined concepts like the nation-state, territorial sovereignty, civil society, and public opinion. The article also examines the implications for civil society, which has adapted and gained a transnational profile influenced by globalization and the digital age. Civil society now plays a critical role in shaping public discourse and engaging with global issues through NGOs, think tanks, and advocacy groups. Additionally, the interconnectedness between civil society and the state is explored, emphasizing civil society organizations as mediators between the state and individuals.