E-petitions and mobilisation dynamics: The importance of local anchoring

Abstract

E-petitioning is a useful object of study for observing the potential emergence of a new relationship to politics and new forms of political participation. Access to a database, such as that found on the website lapetition.be, allows us to focus on the reality of the signatories’ behaviour rather than on their declarations. We explore the crucial role of local anchoring in the effectiveness of e-petitions as a tool for mobilization within the context of environmental issues. Our research presents a comprehensive case study conducted in France and Belgium, analyzing the dynamics and outcomes of e-petitions focused on environmental concerns. We examine the impact of local engagement, considering geographical, social, and cultural factors that influence the success and effectiveness of online mobilization efforts. Our results highlight the benefits of localized engagement in mobilizing citizens and fostering collective action by examining specific case studies in France and Belgium. We also delve into the mechanisms and processes through which e-petitions can trigger mobilization, ranging from social network effects to emotional resonance and issue salience. Last, we analyze how e-petitions can effectively serve as a catalyst for change in environmental policy and promote sustainable practices.

Keywords

• e-democracy
• e-petition
• environmental movements
• digital mobilisation