A MECHANISM TO UNDERPIN STATE PATRONAGE OF NOVEL PUBLIC GOODS: REVISITING THE THEORY OF EFFECTIVE MANIPULATION

Tatyana MELNIKOVA

Candidate of Political Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of History, Philosophy and Political Science, Saratov Social-Economic Institute (branch) of Plekhanov Russian Economic University

tatyana.s.melnikova@mail.ru

Nataliya MITYAEVA

Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Economic Theory, Saratov Social-Economic Institute (branch) of Plekhanov Russian Economic University

natasha.mityaeva@inbox.ru

Anton PETROV

Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of National Economics and State and Municipal Governance, Saratov Social-Economic Institute (branch) of Plekhanov Russian Economic University

petron_anton.m@list.ru

Arina BOBKOVA

Master of Economics, Postgraduate Student, Department of Economic Theory, Saratov Social-Economic Institute (branch) of Plekhanov Russian Economic University

arina_bobkova@list.ru

Abstract

This paper examines the issue of the development of electronic government and electronic democracy in Russia in terms of fostering the public need for the everyday use of electronic services. The authors unfold the essence of E-government and E-democracy through some economic theory concepts. The purpose of this work is to bring to light the characteristics of effective state patronage of these public goods with the use of special manipulation technology. The authors share the results of an expert survey, ‘Topical Issues in the Development of Electronic Government and Electronic Democracy in Saratov Oblast: The Public Need Aspect’. The paper describes the concept of a state mechanism for fostering public demand based on the use of manipulation technology – PR, propaganda, and advertising. The authors draw the conclusion about effective manipulation being possible only if the process of cultivating specific mindsets to shape and drive human behavior has an all-encompassing nature.

Keywords: electronic government, electronic democracy, Authorities–Society OEI (open electronic interaction) system, propaganda, political socialization

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