Political parties in Uzbekistan in the context of information challenges and digital transformation

Azamat K. Pardaev, Deputy of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, e-mail: azamatp@yandex.ru

Against the background of intensive digitalization and the growing worldwide information space, political parties in Uzbekistan are becoming not only more participants in elections but also major players in the battle for the ideological system. Contemporary informational pressure (with the aim of fracturing public consciousness and undermining national unity) requires parties not only to show themselves but as a result of well-considered behavior in the media space. This paper assesses the level at which the political forces in the country understand themselves and act in accordance with their role in these new circumstances. It analyzes their stances on major social issues, their reactions to external challenges, and reveals inconsistencies between rhetoric and deeds. Special focus is going to be given to the behavior inconsistency of the parties under the pressure of information, coming up with concrete examples of their acting, as well as on the judgment of this acting through the effect it has upon the citizen’s trust and the party’s appeal.

Keywords: political parties, information attacks, Uzbekistan, ideology, public opinion, media strategy, electorate

References

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