Authors

Aliaksandr Herasimenka¹;  ¹ University of Oxford, UK

Discussion

An ability to make quick decisions and readjust tactics has always been fundamental to the sustainability of social movements. However, the increased reliance of movements on digital technologies for mobilization has altered this ability. This highlights the dilemma of power asymmetry: the need to ensure the organization’s survival is flanked by the impossibility of rendering power asymmetry explicit. Theories of platform-reliant network movements argue that movements with horizontal-like organizational structures have no effective means to make decisions and, therefore, the strategic capacity to shift their tactic. Yet, some network movements appear to be able to shift tactics and, at the same time, preserve the perception of being horizontal. What are the factors that make this possible? 

Our study addresses this question by investigating the use of digital platforms by an anti-authoritarian movement in Belarus in 2020. We use content analysis and thematic analysis to study 4,250 posts shared on 14 key venues used by the activists of the movement in August 2020.

We found that the use of Telegram broadened the organizational and decision-making capabilities of this anti-authoritarian movement introducing opportunities to shift tactics quickly depending on the circumstances. In particular, the app was used as a platform where decisions were discussed collectively and broadcasted. This allowed activists to approach the dilemma of power asymmetry.