Tracing the networked “global public sphere” exemplified in Occupy-Wall-Street to the Greek agora–where male citizens gathered to debate ideas– Faizullah Jan, American University doctoral student, looks at the evolution of public opinion expression and the interaction between state and society.
“Without a functioning public sphere the state’s interaction with the public is reduced to the relatively brief periods surrounding elections. Though election participation is a a hallmark of representative democracy, without a functioning public sphere, the government, corporations, and interest groups remain unaccountable to the people.”
Full article: “Understanding Public Sphere in a Networked Society,” guest post on Matthew Nisbet’s “Age of Engagement” at Big Think
