Catherine Frost
Might online social relations play a role in the rise of political solidarities
sufficient to support a democratic postnationalist project? As things currently
stand it does not appear that the Internet supports either the commitment or
cohesiveness needed to underpin a demanding new mode of social and political
relations. Looking at factors such as conceptions of community and social interaction,
systems of meaning, political engagement, and social inclusivity can help us
assess the question. The exercise suggests that while the Internet may be a
factor in change, it may not yield the kind of change many are anticipating.
This finding raises doubts concerning the postnationalist hope that new social
and political bonds will help ground transnational project such as the EU.