From Traditional Authority to Network Power: An Empirical Analysis of the Transformation of Political Power
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57125/FS.2026.03.20.05Keywords:
Digital politics, globalisation, network society, political power, political power transformation.Abstract
The recent serious structural changes in the international political system allow for a classical interpretation to re-understand the concept of political power. As you know, strong political power was explained by state institutions, hierarchical management mechanisms, and financial structures. However, the current digitalization, globalization, and the rise of social networks have led to the transformation of this concept. Today, political power is formed more through network-based relationships, non-state actors, and information flows.
The purpose of this study is to empirically clarify the transformation of political power from a hierarchical model to a network power model. Mixed methods methods were used in the analysis. In other words, based on qualitative methods, theoretical literature, theories of political power and conceptual models of structural unity were compiled. The quantitative method was used to index political power networks and reflect the results of existing empirical studies.
The results of the study show that this political power is monopolized by media platforms, civil society actors, transnational networks and digital communication tools. Such a transformation has a very serious impact on the concept of sovereignty of states, political legitimacy and governance mechanisms.
This study provides a new empirical and theoretical perspective on the transformation of political power. The article aims to contribute to existing discussions in the field of political science.
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