Social Media, Anti-Corruption Activism and Democratisation in Authoritarian Contexts: A Case Study of Uzbekistan

This article aims to examine the nexus between social media, anti-corruption activism and democratisation in authoritarian regime contexts. It will investigate the complex ways in which civil society actors utilise art and humour on social media platforms to engage in covert anti-corruption activism. In doing so, we will show how, in authoritarian contexts, digital (social media) activists creatively navigate the constraints under the conditions of authoritarianism while seeking to address issues of corruption and government inefficiencies. This inquiry is timely given the global surge in authoritarianism. The study focuses on Uzbekistan, exemplifying the challenges of transitioning from repressive to softer authoritarianism while grappling with corruption and limited media freedom. Insights from this analysis offer valuable perspectives on civil society resilience, technology's role, and the pursuit of transparency in non-democratic settings.