Populism and Social Media in Southeast Asia: Navigating Democratisation and Political Stabilityy to Submit This Sample Abstract
Hestutomo Restu Kuncoro, Rosalia Dwi Fadma Tjahjanti, Mochammad Fauzul Haq

Universitas Pembangunan Nasional ^Veteran^ Yogyakarta

Abstract

This article examines the transformative impact of social media on populist
movements and democratisation processes in Southeast Asia, focusing on Indonesia,
the Philippines, and Thailand. Through a comparative analysis, the study identifies
common patterns in how populist leaders use social media to bypass traditional
media, foster anti-establishment sentiments, and rapidly mobilize grassroots support.
These strategies have enabled populist leaders to present themselves as authentic and
trustworthy, resonating with electorates disillusioned with traditional political
institutions. However, the effectiveness of these strategies is mediated by unique
regional features, such as the strength of politico-business networks, the legacy of past
authoritarian regimes, and socio-cultural contexts. The findings challenge traditional
models of democratisation that emphasize elite pacts and grassroots movements,
suggesting the need for more nuanced frameworks like Constructivist
Institutionalism, which account for the role of ideas and discourses in political
processes. The dual potential of social media to both facilitate democratic openings
and entrench populist regimes highlights the necessity for critical examination of its
role in political stability. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of
social media on political systems and the effectiveness of counterstrategies to manage
the spread of populist messages online.

Keywords: opulism, Social Media, Democratisation, Southeast Asia, Constructivist Institutionalism, Political Communication, Political Stability

Topic: Social Science