The political ecosystem of the digital age: integration of network and ecosystem approaches

Samoilov Pavel Andreevich Postgraduate student; Department of Organizational Design of Management Systems; The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) 117574, Russia, Moscow, Golubinskaya str., 19, sq. 78 samoylovpavel9995@outlook.com

Introduction

Modern society is in the process of deep digital transformation, where information and communication technologies (ICT) play a key role in changing social interactions, political processes and the formation of new models of civic identity. These changes are particularly noticeable in the political ecosystem, where digital technologies contribute to the transformation of traditional hierarchical structures, the formation of horizontal interactions and the adaptation of the system to dynamic changes. However, approaches to the study of these processes are often fragmented in the scientific literature, which makes it difficult to comprehensively understand the functioning of the political ecosystem in the context of digitalization.

In recent decades, network and ecosystem approaches have been actively developing in sociology, offering various perspectives on the analysis of social processes. To date, there is no integrated model in the scientific literature that combines the advantages of these two approaches, which creates a theoretical gap.

The subject of research in this article is the political ecosystem of the digital age in the context of the integration of network and ecosystem approaches. The purpose of this article is to review and compare the key concepts of network and ecosystem approaches and to justify their integration for the analysis of the political ecosystem of society. Within the framework of this review article, the following tasks are set: to analyze the main theoretical provisions of the network and ecosystem approaches; to propose an integrated model combining their strengths; to formulate the author's definition of the political ecosystem of society based on the integration of approaches.

The work of leading researchers in the field of network and ecosystem approaches, such as Manuel Castells, Mark Bevir, Rod Rhodes, James F. Moore, David Bollier, Russian researchers Sokolov, Frolov, Grebenko and others, was used as a theoretical basis, which ensured the development of a comprehensive analysis for the study of the subject area. Sources include domestic and foreign periodicals and non-periodicals.

Methodology and methods

The methodology and research methods in this article are based on the integration of network and ecosystem approaches, which allows us to consider the political ecosystem in the context of digitalization as a complex, dynamic and adaptive system. The main focus is on theoretical analysis aimed at identifying the strengths and weaknesses of network and ecosystem approaches, as well as substantiating their synthesis for a deeper understanding of the processes taking place in the political ecosystem.

To achieve these goals, the following methods were used: analysis of scientific literature, which made it possible to systematize and summarize approaches to the study of the political ecosystem; a comparative method for comparing network and ecosystem approaches, identifying their advantages and limitations, as well as searching for integration points; a descriptive method that provided a description of the conceptual foundations of these approaches; a categorization method for identifying key elements the political ecosystem and their interactions. The research is of a review and theoretical nature, which creates the basis for further empirical developments.

Thus, the proposed integration of network and ecosystem approaches allows us to go beyond the one-sided analysis typical of traditional theories and offers a comprehensive view of the transformation of the political ecosystem in the digital age. This makes this research relevant and valuable both for theoretical understanding and for practical application in the development of strategies aimed at the sustainable development of the political system.

Analysis of theoretical approaches to the political ecosystem

Let's start with an analysis of the network approach as one of the key conceptual frameworks for analyzing transformations taking place under the influence of information and communication technologies (ICT). The network approach focuses on horizontal interactions between actors shaping the political space and considers information flows as a fundamental element of the structure of modern political systems. Unlike traditional hierarchical models, network structures presuppose flexibility, decentralization, and the ability to organize themselves, which is especially important in the context of rapid digital development.

The founder of the network approach is considered to be Manuel Castells ^[1], who substantiated the concept of a network society. He argues that ICTs are transforming social and political structures by creating new forms of interaction based on information flows. Castells emphasizes that networks not only contribute to the decentralization of power, but also provide citizens with opportunities to participate more actively in political processes. In his opinion, information flows play a key role in a networked society, which form new structures of power and influence. This idea has been confirmed in numerous examples where digital platforms have become a tool for political mobilization and coordination of mass actions organized through social networks.

Network management, developed by Mark Bevir and Rod Rhodes ^[2], adds an important aspect to the study of network structures. They argue that modern political systems are gradually moving away from traditional hierarchical management models, replacing them with more flexible and decentralized networks of interaction. Network management emphasizes the importance of coordination between government and non-government actors. Unlike Castells, who focuses on global processes and information flows, Bevir and Rhodes focus on the managerial aspects of network structures. Their concept of network management allows us to understand how political systems adapt to changes caused by digitalization, and what mechanisms of interaction ensure the sustainability of such systems.

Kristina Neumeier ^[3], in turn, develops a network approach, paying attention to the role of mobile technologies and social networks in coordinating protest movements. Her research highlights that digital networks provide a decentralized organization for protests, allowing participants to quickly adapt to changes. This decentralization makes such movements less vulnerable to external pressure, which confirms the strength of horizontal interactions. Neumeier, unlike Castells and Bevir, focuses on protest activity as a key element of the political ecosystem, viewing it through the lens of flexibility and speed of communication provided by network structures.

Saskia Sassen ^[4] introduces an additional dimension to the network approach, focusing on the global aspects of digital networks. She argues that networks are becoming an arena where the interests of global and national actors intersect, transforming the mechanisms of power. Sassen believes that the decentralized nature of digital networks limits the possibilities of authoritarian control and promotes the distribution of power among various participants. However, it also highlights the vulnerabilities of these structures, such as commercialization and concentration of control in the hands of large corporations. This aspect complements Castells' ideas and allows us to look at network structures not only as a tool for democratization, but also as a source of new challenges for political systems.

Let's compare the key positions and views of the authors developing a network approach to the analysis of the political ecosystem (see Table 1).

Table 1. Comparison of scientists' views on the network approach

Note: Compiled by the author based on the literature analysis.

Thus, despite the unique contribution of each scientist, all researchers within the framework of the network approach recognize that ICTs significantly change the political ecosystem, contributing to the decentralization of power and the formation of new forms of interaction.

The ecosystem approach transfers the principles of interaction in natural ecosystems to the study of complex social systems, including political ones. This approach considers the political ecosystem as a dynamic, self-organizing and adaptive system in which the interdependence and sustainability of its elements play a key role. In the context of digital transformation, the ecosystem approach makes it possible to analyze how information and communication technologies (ICTs) contribute not only to changing the political structure, but also to its ability to develop sustainably.

The foundations of the ecosystem approach were laid by James F. Moore ^[5], who proposed the concept of business ecosystems, which was then transferred to the political sphere. Moore argues that the successful functioning of any ecosystem depends on its ability to adapt to environmental changes while maintaining a balance between competition and cooperation. In his opinion, the political ecosystem includes a variety of actors that interact with each other, ensuring the stability of the system. Moore pays special attention to the ecosystem's life cycle, which consists of the stages of birth, growth, leadership, and self-renewal. These stages can be applied to analyze the evolution of political systems, especially in the context of the introduction of digital technologies.

Another proponent of the ecosystem approach, David Bollier ^[6], focuses on the principles of community management and collective interaction. In his works, he examines how social systems can be built on the principles of horizontal resource management, which makes them more stable and flexible. According to Bollier, the key characteristic of an ecosystem is the interdependence of its elements. In the context of a political ecosystem, this means that interactions between State and non-State actors should be based on the principles of cooperation and resource allocation. The application of Bollier's ideas in the political sphere is especially relevant in the context of digital transformation, when traditional hierarchies are giving way to more horizontal governance structures.

Among Russian researchers, Sokolov, Frolov, and Grebenko ^[7] adapt the ecosystem approach to analyze digitalization processes in Russian politics. They view digital services as nascent elements of a political ecosystem that, although they do not reach the full level of an ecosystem organization, demonstrate potential for development. In their opinion, the successful operation of such systems is possible only if there are clear goals, involved actors and a well-developed digital infrastructure. This approach makes it possible to identify the problems and prospects of introducing ecosystem principles into the Russian political system, especially in the context of the growing role of ICT.

Let's compare the key positions and views of the authors developing an ecosystem approach to the analysis of the political ecosystem (see Table 2).

Table 2. Comparison of scientists' views on the ecosystem approach

Note: Compiled by the author based on the literature analysis

Thus, a common feature of all research within the framework of the ecosystem approach is the recognition of the interdependence of system elements and their adaptive nature. Moore and Bollier emphasize the need for a balance between competition and cooperation, which echoes the conclusions of Sokolov and his colleagues about the importance of clear goals and interactions between actors. However, unlike Moore, who focuses on ecosystem life cycles, Bollier pays more attention to horizontal management structures, while Sokolov and his colleagues focus on the practical aspects of implementing an ecosystem approach in the context of digital transformation.

Comparative analysis of advantages and disadvantages of network and ecosystem approaches

A comparative analysis of the network and ecosystem approaches reveals their strengths and weaknesses, which makes it possible to justify the feasibility of their integration for the analysis of the political ecosystem in the context of digitalization.

The network approach, which focuses on horizontal connections, self-organization, and information flows, provides tools for analyzing how ICTs are changing the mechanisms of social interaction. In a networked society, information becomes the central element of power, and social networks and digital platforms form new structures of influence. Digital platforms are transforming the political space, making it more accessible and inclusive.

Despite the obvious advantages of network structures, their vulnerability to manipulation and disinformation poses a serious problem for the stability of the political system. Global digital platforms, functioning as key arenas of political mobilization and activism, simultaneously create conditions for increasing social gaps and polarization. The dynamism of political processes in a network environment makes it impossible for them to go through critical reflection and filtering mechanisms. This leads to the fact that false narratives and radical ideas gain a wide audience, while institutional actors lose their monopoly on shaping the political agenda. As a result, network structures, for all their democracy, not only contribute to the mobilization of citizens, but also become a platform for the dissemination of conspiracy theories that undermine confidence in state institutions and formal decision-making mechanisms. This imbalance underscores the need for an integrated approach that combines the benefits of networking with elements of ecosystem resilience, which minimizes the risks of fragmentation and destruction of the political integrity of society in the digital age.

The ecosystem approach makes it possible to analyze the political ecosystem as a complex, interdependent and adaptive system. He emphasizes the importance of sustainability, balance, and cooperation between actors. In this approach, digital technologies are considered as elements that integrate into social processes and contribute to their transformation. For example, the creation of e-governments, such as the Gosuslugi portal in Russia, demonstrates how digital tools contribute to improving the effectiveness of interaction between the state and citizens. Similarly, as Kuznetsova Yu.A. notes ^[8] in his work on the virtualization of society, digitalization creates new forms of horizontal interactions that can be integrated into more stable social structures.

Despite the significant heuristic potential in the analysis of complex social and political systems, the ecosystem approach faces a number of conceptual limitations that make it difficult to apply it in practice in the context of digital transformation. The main problem lies in the excessive abstractness and metaphoricity of this approach, which makes it difficult to develop specific tools for empirical analysis. The transfer of the principles of biological ecosystems to the political sphere often leads to a simplification of complex processes, ignoring internal conflicts, asymmetry of power and competition of interests, which are integral elements of any political system. In addition, the ecosystem approach focuses on the sustainability and balance of the system, which often leads to underestimation of crises and dysfunctions as engines of political change. In the context of digitalization, when the speed of transformation and the degree of uncertainty are increasing, excessive attention to cooperation and interdependence can hinder the identification of factors contributing to radical shifts and disorganization of the system. Thus, without taking into account the factors of instability and the possibility of destruction, the ecosystem model risks becoming overly optimistic and incomplete, which reduces its explanatory power in analyzing the dynamics of political processes in the digital age.

The results of the study

As a result of the research, an integration model was developed that combines the advantages of network and ecosystem approaches to the analysis of the political ecosystem. This model allows us to take into account the dynamics of horizontal interactions and information flows characteristic of the network approach, as well as the stability and cooperation of actors underlying ecosystem analysis.

The integration of network and ecosystem approaches makes it possible to overcome certain limitations and theoretical fragmentation of these approaches, creating a holistic model capable of explaining complex social processes in the context of digital transformation.

Combining these approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of the processes of digitalization of the political system, allowing us to identify the mechanisms of adaptation and transformation at different levels of the political ecosystem.

The theoretical basis of integration is the recognition that modern political processes are both chaotic and stable. A political ecosystem can be represented as a complex self-organizing structure in which network interactions are a mechanism for short-term change, and ecosystem elements ensure its long-term sustainability. Thus, the integration of the two approaches makes it possible to explain how horizontal connections formed in digital networks are institutionalized over time, becoming part of a more stable political system.

Methodologically, integration is carried out through a multi-layered analysis involving the division of the political ecosystem into levels. At the micro level, key attention is paid to the analysis of horizontal interactions between individual actors and digital platforms, which is carried out using network analysis and digital content analysis methods. The meso-level covers the study of groups, movements, and organizations as network nodes that ensure sustainability through mechanisms of cooperation and resource allocation. At this level, it is advisable to use case study methods, content analysis, and interviews with movement leaders. The macro-level involves the analysis of political institutions as elements of an ecosystem that integrate network processes within sustainable political structures. Institutional analysis and comparative studies are applicable here.

This methodology allows us to take into account both the dynamics of changes occurring at the level of individual and group interactions, and the stability of the system as a whole. It is important to emphasize that the integration of approaches is not limited to the mechanical overlap of concepts, but involves the identification of points of intersection, such as self-organization, adaptability and flexibility, which are common to network and ecosystem models.

The integration of network and ecosystem approaches is especially relevant in the context of digital transformation, where social networks are becoming a key element of public relations. Sabyrov N. B. ^[9] emphasizes that digitalization through social networks forms horizontal links between actors, which leads to the decentralization of power and the emergence of new models of social interaction. At the same time, social networks contribute to strengthening the sustainability of social systems by creating platforms for self-organization and cooperation, which corresponds to an ecosystem approach. For example, the "We are Together" campaign, aimed at coordinating volunteer movements in the digital environment, demonstrates the need to combine network flexibility, ensuring speed of communication and self-organization, with ecosystem sustainability, supporting long-term interaction between actors.

Another example is the use of the hashtags #Immortal Regiment and #MyaRussia to construct a patriotic identity in a digital environment. The network approach explains how digital technologies create opportunities for horizontal self-organization, and the ecosystem approach shows how these initiatives strengthen social bonds and contribute to the formation of sustainable civic values.

Thus, the proposed integration of network and ecosystem approaches provides not only a more complete and comprehensive explanation of the transformations of the political ecosystem, but also creates a theoretical basis for further empirical research aimed at studying the interaction of digital technologies, social connections and the sustainability of the system.

The integration of network and ecosystem approaches allows us to propose a new definition of the political ecosystem of society, which reflects the complexity and multidimensionality of social processes in the context of digital transformation. The political ecosystem of society is a dynamic, interconnected and adaptive system in which information and communication technologies (ICT) play a key role. It includes a variety of actors whose interaction is mediated by horizontal connections in the digital space. In this system, the principles of flexibility and self-organization characteristic of the network approach are intertwined with elements of sustainability and interdependence, which are emphasized in the ecosystem concept.

A special feature of this system is the ability of its elements to quickly adapt to external changes due to information flows and network structures, which ensures dynamism and responsiveness. At the same time, the ecosystem approach emphasizes the importance of interdependence and cooperation between actors, which allows the political ecosystem to remain resilient even in the face of digital challenges. With the active use of digital technologies, the political ecosystem is becoming a space for the transformation of social values, where new models of interaction and reproduction of civic identity are being formed.

Discussion of the research results

Despite the obvious advantages of integration, the proposed concept may face a number of theoretical and methodological challenges. The question of the limits of the applicability of the integrated approach remains important. Despite the fact that it effectively explains citizens' interaction with content in a digital environment, its universality in other social and political contexts requires additional verification. For example, the stability of the proposed model may be limited in conditions of high digital risks, which may distort the processes of value formation and civic identity.

A comparison of the proposed approach with other models of political systems analysis shows its advantage in terms of the dynamism and adaptability of the digital environment. However, the research of Manuel Castells and David Bollier offers additional frameworks that can be integrated for a deeper understanding of social processes. For example, Castells' information flow concept and Bollier's emphasis on collective resource management can enrich the proposed model.

In addition, it is necessary to take into account the cultural context, which can vary significantly depending on social and regional factors. This opens up new perspectives that can reveal both universal and specific elements of the transformation of the political ecosystem.

Thus, the discussion of the proposed model highlights its theoretical and methodological significance, but also points to the need for further refinement and verification. These steps will make the model not only more reasonable, but also practical for analyzing processes in the digital age.

Conclusions based on the results of the study

The research results are aimed at the theoretical substantiation and development of an integration approach to the analysis of the political ecosystem of society in the context of digital transformation. The author's definition of a political ecosystem is formulated as a dynamic, interconnected and adaptive system in which information and communication technologies play a key role. The main achievement is the development of an integration model that combines the advantages of network and ecosystem approaches. The network approach reveals the mechanisms of horizontal interactions, self-organization and decentralization, while the ecosystem approach focuses on the sustainability, interdependence and adaptability of the system.

Based on the analysis, key challenges facing the modern political ecosystem are identified, including the vulnerability of network structures to manipulation and disinformation, as well as increased polarization and social gaps. At the same time, the need for an integrated approach that minimizes these risks is justified, ensuring the integration of flexibility of network interactions and the sustainability of ecosystem elements.

The materials of this study are intended for a wide range of readers. They may be of interest to scientists in scientific activities, teachers in the educational process, as well as sociologists, political scientists, consultants, analysts, and experts.

Conclusion

The proposal to integrate network and ecosystem approaches to analyze the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the political ecosystem of society is a new methodological step that allows to eliminate the limitations of each approach when applied separately. The proposed model creates prospects for further empirical research in the field of sociology. The examples given in this article show how the synthesis of network and ecosystem approaches helps to better understand the processes taking place in the political ecosystem of society.

The proposed definition of the political ecosystem of society makes it possible to reveal the relationship between ICT, social processes and the transformation of civic identity. It reflects how digital technologies form new value orientations, transform the mechanisms of civic engagement and strengthen the interaction between various elements of the ecosystem.

Thus, the article contributes to the development of a sociological understanding of the role of ICT in the transformation of the political ecosystem and the formation of new models of civic participation.