KTub8

Introduction
social realities depending on the political dynamics
operating on them. Contradictions can be resolved, or
tamed, in ways which can lead to an expansion of new
freedoms, or to a hardening of existing exclusions.
Often, both happen at the same time, yet to different
social groups. We can see this in the ubiquitous rise of
liquid surveillance techniques, which are equally suited to
produce ‘care’ (in the form of personalised services) and
seduction as much as control and repression. 14
In this book, I will look at the new forms of solidarity
which are emerging in the digital realm. I will draw
up an inventory of forms, reduced to four basic types:
commons, assemblies, swarms and weak networks.
These four basic types exist in a bewildering variety
of shapes and sizes. The social realities they produce
are not congruent or necessarily peaceful. Solidarity
can be mobilised towards all ends, good and bad. Yet,
despite these differences, there are certain elements of
a common culture running through them. A culture
of digital solidarity can be described as one rooted in a
lived practice of sharing. The Icelandic constitution, if
ratified, would embody this culture. However, as Manuel
Castells reminds us, a common thread does not ensure
an overall peaceful processes, as the term ‘sharing’
might imply: ‘the protocols of communication are
not based on the sharing of culture but on the culture
of sharing.’ 15 I will begin by sketching some of the
structural transformations which underlie the creation
of digital solidarity.
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