The rise of Mali's 'videomen' as cybercombatants in global crisis ecologies

Datos Bibliográficos

ID3708564
AutoresSigne Marie Cold-Ravnkilde (0000-0002-3524-1360), Signe Marie Cold‐ravnkilde, Almamy Sylla (0000-0003-0951-5994)
Año2024
Volumen100
Número4
Páginas1405-1429
Fecha de publicación2024-07-10
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Affairs (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0020-5850 • E-ISSN: 1468-2346
EditorialOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/ia/iiae121
OpenAlexW4400493115
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas9

This article examines the geopolitical shifts in Mali following its rejection of western intervention and subsequent partnerships with Russia. Mali is used as a case-study to explore the role of digital connectivity within global crisis ecologies. It challenges the narrative attributing Mali's coup solely to external influences, emphasizing the agency of local actors and new digital practices. Focusing on the role of 'videomen' in disseminating the narratives of Yèrèwolo, Mali's foremost anti-French and pro-Russian political movement, it examines how these actors shape public perceptions of Mali's new military leaders and their international partners. Using an assemblage framework to analyse smartphones' affordances, the nuanced dynamics shaping political legitimacy are elucidated, emphasizing the performative nature of authority in the digital age. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and quantitative analysis of online content, the article highlights how smartphones empower users like videomen to influence political dynamics amid crisis and geopolitical tensions. By reconstructing past events and reclaiming patriotism, videomen strategically use the political transition to outcompete traditional media professionals. The study underscores the need for understanding how localized dynamics shape broader political developments and international relations, offering insights into similar trends in other west African nations facing military coups and increased Russian involvement

Aesthetics · Affordance · Agency (philosophy) · Geopolitics · Legitimacy · Narrative · Performative utterance · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · African Studies and Geopolitics · Law · Peacebuilding and International Security

Herramientas

Abrir DOIOpen Access