ABSTRACT
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have revolutionized social and political life. In the Pacific region, ICT platforms such as social media have provided individuals and communities with a platform to amplify their narratives. Social media allows citizens to engage in policy processes, dialogue and debate. This chapter examines the burgeoning potential of ICTs to facilitate democratic processes and establish civil society networks across the Pacific region at the grassroots level. This will be contrasted with state and regional-led political processes. Employing a critical discourse analysis of social media discourse, this chapter examines how community activists in campaigns relating to climate change and the Free West Papua movement have harnessed ICTs to strengthen their advocacy and connectivity within and beyond the Pacific region. By looking at such activist groupings and their use of social media to build wider solidarity networks, insights will be provided into how ICTs (particularly social media) have become a catalyst for a new wave of Pacific activism, fostering the rebirth of bottom-up regionalism. The chapter will conclude by highlighting the challenges and opportunities incumbent on those utilizing ICTs for regional citizen participation in Pacific democratic processes and networks.
