The Illiberal Public Sphere
Media in Polarized Societies
Sabina Mihelj author Václav Štětka author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Springer International Publishing AG
Published:11th Jun '24
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This open access book provides the first systematic analysis of the role of the media in the rise of illiberalism, based on an original theoretical framework and extensive empirical research in Eastern Europe – a region that serves as a key battleground in the global advance of illiberalism. Liberal democracies across the world are facing a range of challenges, from the growing influence of illiberal leaders and parties to deepening polarization and declining trust in political elites and mainstream media. Although these developments attracted significant scholarly attention, the factors that contribute to the spreading of illiberalism remain poorly understood, and the communication perspective on illiberalism is particularly underdeveloped.
Štětka and Mihelj address this gap by introducing the concept of the illiberal public sphere, identifying the key stages in its development, and explaining what makes illiberalism distinct from related phenomena such as populism. Their analysis reveals how and why the changing communication environment facilitates selective exposure to ideologically and politically homogeneous sources, fosters changes in normative assumptions that guide media trust, increases vulnerability to disinformation, and goes hand in hand with growing hostility to immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. The findings challenge widespread assumptions about digital platforms as key channels of illiberalism and suggest that their role shifts as the illiberal sphere progresses.The arguments presented in this book have important implications for future research on challenges to liberal democracy, as well as for journalists, media regulators and other professionals committed to rebuilding media trust and containing the forces of polarization.
“The Illiberal Public Sphere: Media in Polarized Societies, Václav Štětka and Sabina Mihelj provide a timely and sharp analysis of how media and communication systems shape and are shaped by the rise of illiberalism. … the book remains essential reading for anyone concerned with the future of liberal democracy. It offers a conceptually and empirically rich account of the illiberal public sphere, presenting a plausible framework for understanding recent political developments. Wonderfully structured and accessible … .” (Marijana Grbeša Zenzerović, The International Journal of Press-Politics, Vol. 30 (4), 2025)
“The two authors adopt a multifaceted approach, analysing the issue from different perspectives, and succeed in creating a comprehensive overview of the media situation in these countries. … The book contains several graphs that may be very useful for classes on Eastern European civil society, including such courses for specific countries. There are also many links to online material in the book, which makes it easier to use their graphs or tables into class presentations, with proper references.” (Irene Elmerot, Scando-Slavica, Vol. 71 (1), 2025)
“The book does not make a clear division into theoretical and empirical parts – instead, Štětka and Mihelj combine the conceptualization of key concepts and a literature review with examples of the issues described, which allows the reader to more easily understand the importance and significance of the issues discussed for contemporary social and political processes. … The authors are undoubtedly right that the issue of social communication should be much more prominent in research on illiberalism.” (Monika Szafrańska, Zeszyty Prasoznawcze, Vol. 68 (3), 2025)
“As illiberalism continues to gain ground globally, this book provides an essential lens for grasping how media systems both reflect and reinforce illiberal values as well as political polarization. ... The introduced framework is a significant theoretical contribution, but its value extends beyond theory: it offers practical tools for researchers, journalists, and policymakers alike.” (Karolína Bieliková, Global Media Journal, globalmediajournal.de, Vol. 15 (1), 2025)
“This is a provocative and crucial text in an era increasingly defined by its tussle between liberal democratic principles and encroaching illiberal forces.” (Sim Gill, European Journal of Cultural Studies, August 28, 2024)
“A key strength of the book is its innovative conceptual model. … The empirical richness of the book is impressive. … The ‘Illiberal Public Sphere’ stands as a landmark study in the field of media and democracy research. Its conceptual innovations, empirical depth, and comparative ambition make it essential reading for scholars and practitioners alike.” (Mateusz Patera, Central European Journal of Communication, Vol. 40 (2), 2025)
ISBN: 9783031544880
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
266 pages
2024 ed.