How do technologies reshape the political scene?

With the world entering an unprecedented phase of digital development, it is difficult to ignore the profound effects that advanced digital technologies and smart tools have on political life, the structure of power, and the exercise of influence. What was once governed by traditional forms of political control is now rapidly transitioning to a digital sphere driven by data, algorithms, and online platforms. These changes affect not only state mechanisms but also the broader shape of power, alliances of influence, and how politicians shape public opinion and decisions. Before the digital revolution, political authority was typically arranged in a strict hierarchy, with power concentrated at the top and flowing downward through limited channels. In today’s digital environment, technology has disrupted this structure, introducing networked forms of authority where sources of information multiply and overlap. Virtual spaces, such as social media, digital news outlets, and online networks, allow individuals and groups to express viewpoints, organise, and influence public issues. Consequently, political power no longer monopolises public discourse; activists and journalists can overshadow traditional institutions. Though unchecked digital influence can undermine public order, it can also be positive if it adheres to ethical standards, transforming individuals into active participants in the political process and partners in collective development. Shaping public opinion is no longer confined to newspapers, television, or radio. Digital platforms empower politicians, policymakers, and everyday citizens to share their perspectives instantly across outlets such as Facebook (Meta), Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. This capability can shift public opinion from mere framing to genuine impact, positive or negative. Platform algorithms decide which content is amplified or suppressed, often reflecting corporate policies. This prompts questions of fairness, transparency, and control. Events in Syria, for example, illustrate how digital narratives can be moulded or manipulated by diverse internal and external forces harbouring dubious agendas. “Power engineering” appears more clearly when considering how digital political content can be manipulated through fake news, malicious software, targeted ads, orchestrated social media groups, and pressure campaigns. Once confined to political elites and major media, these tools are now available to varied groups, including external actors interfering in other nations. At the same time, governments can capitalise on massive digital data from constant Internet use and the Internet of Things, analysing it to predict voting behaviour, gauge public opinion, and guide sensitive issues. Campaigns increasingly rely on digital content engineering, fuelled by big data and predictive analytics, to tailor outreach to each voter’s personal interests and concerns. This fusion of technology and politics raises pressing ethical and legal questions: How far can authorities go in using citizens’ data for political aims, such as election campaigns or strategic policymaking? How should AI and algorithmic tools be regulated to protect privacy and prevent abuses of power? Can they be kept from enabling disinformation, discrimination, or undue manipulation of public sentiment? Such controversies remain unresolved, yet they form the heart of political, judicial, and scientific debates worldwide, reflecting the profound challenges of governing technologies that transcend traditional borders and shake the foundations of civic life. Power engineering in the digital age is not a temporary episode. It is a dynamic, ongoing process where emerging digital forces intersect with entrenched authority. Calls for freedom and transparency confront impulses to control, creating avenues for broader public participation alongside risks of manipulation. Understanding these shifts is crucial for guiding technology toward enhancing democracy rather than undermining it. Many governments, particularly in the Arab region, have struggled to adapt, leading to heightened societal tensions and weakening trust between citizens and leadership. Oman, however, stands out by embracing digital engagement within legal, moral, and societal frameworks, encouraging open dialogue on domestic and international issues, and respecting freedom of expression through official media channels. These practices stem from centuries-old traditions of consultation and help maintain both internal and external stability under the renewed renaissance led by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The recent launch of a specialised electronic platform for citizen complaints and proposals, scheduled for full operation by early 2025, demonstrates Oman’s commitment to transparency, inclusive governance, and the responsible integration of digital tools to build a forward-looking political landscape.