The Special Issue is devoted to the digitalization of intra party politics

This Special Issue, edited by Oscar Barberà (UV) and Jasmin Fitzpatrick (JGU) at Acta Politológica, explores the digitalization of intra-party politics, focusing on the dilemma between participation and centralization. The authors analyze how new technologies have transformed political parties, offering opportunities for greater member participation but also posing risks of power centralization. The Special Issue examines specific cases from different countries and parties, highlighting how digitalization can facilitate participation, collective decision-making, and transparency. However, it also points out that these technologies can be used to reinforce leaders' control over members, thus limiting internal democracy. The authors provide a critical view of the advantages and disadvantages of this digitalization process, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between participation and centralization to ensure the democratic health of political parties.

Reference

Barberà, O. & Fitzpatrick, J. (2024) “Editorial: The Digitalization of Intra Party Politics. The Participation vs. Centralisation Dilemma,” Acta Politologica, 16(2), pp. 1–8. Available at: https://doi.org/10.14712/1803-8220/36_2024.