Date
5-2020
Document Type
Capstone Project (Open Access)
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Department
Social, Behavioral & Global Studies
Major
Global Studies
First Advisor
Kathryn Poethig
Second Advisor
Richard Harris
Abstract
In my capstone, I claim that the populism of the 21st century should be considered a political style as elucidated by Benjamin Moffitt. But Moffitis’s understanding of political style does not adequately address how populism morphs through new technological systems, such as algorithms, filter bubbles, echo chambers in our internet devices. This theoretical framework takes necessary elements from past theories and stresses the performance that is vital to populism in our modern media ecosystem. The charismatic leader is no longer necessary, but the "opaque operations"( i.e algorithms, filter bubbles,echo chambers) allow populism to be almost self replicating. These “populist actors” can now reach their “people’”in ways we have not seen up to this point, reaffirming their political beliefs with communities of like-minded individuals. Populism as a political style is applicable to our technological conditions that are now in and are necessary component to contemporary populism.
Recommended Citation
Callihan, Konnor, "The Opaque Operations of 21st Century Populism" (2020). Capstone Projects and Master's Theses. 793.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/caps_thes_all/793
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Political Theory Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons
