Dual Media Impact on Political Participation in Authoritarian Regimes

• In Event: Digital Authoritarianism, Regime Survival, and Authoritarian Diffusion

Abstract

This study investigates the unique media landscape in authoritarian and transitional regimes, focusing on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It examines how state-controlled media and new media, particularly the internet, interact and influence political participation in these nations. The research is based on the dual-flow political communication theory, highlighting the contrasting information flows: state media supporting the regime versus social media offering alternative narratives. This contrast creates a cross-cutting information environment, potentially enhancing political participation through learning and information searching, as shown in democracies.
Conducted in December 2023, our extensive original high-quality (phone and face-to-face interviews) survey (N=7200) across these five countries reveals a significant link between exposure to a balanced mix of information sources and increased engagement in government-sanctioned political activities, like voting, contacting officials, and attending community events. This positive trend is only present in countries with less restricted internet access (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia). In contrast, in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where internet access is more controlled, a slight increase in internet news consumption is associated with decreased conventional political participation.
The study suggests that some authoritarian regimes could gain stability by maintaining a relatively open internet. These insights are crucial for understanding the impact of media on political participation in closed societies, highlighting how the interaction between different types of media can shape political engagement.

Author

• Aman Bekmagambetov, University of Georgia