Evolution of power, politics, and social control: From Machiavelli and Foucault to contemporary digital surveillance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/j29zh016Keywords:
power, politics, social control, digital surveillance, artificial intelligenceAbstract
Introduction: Power, politics, and social control have undergone significant transformations, evolving from classical conceptions centered on authority, sovereignty, and the State toward contemporary forms associated with technology, digital platforms, and surveillance. This study aimed to analyze, through contemporary scientific literature published between 2022 and 2026, interpretations of the evolution of the conceptions of power, politics, and social control associated with classical and contemporary authors, and their relationship with current forms of authority, surveillance, and social regulation.
Methodology: A qualitative systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA 2020 model as a methodological guide. Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SciELO, Dialnet, and Redalyc were consulted. Of the 64 records initially identified, 15 academic publications published between 2022 and 2026 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed through a documentary matrix.
Results: Social control was the most frequently addressed category, representing 46.6% of the studies, while power and politics accounted for 26.7% each. The findings revealed a shift from centralized and visible forms of power toward more distributed, digital, and technological mechanisms associated with platforms, data, artificial intelligence, and automated surveillance.
Conclusions: Traditional conceptions of power, politics, and social control remain relevant but have been reconfigured within digital societies. The control of information, algorithms, and technological platforms currently represents a fundamental dimension for understanding contemporary power relations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Eduardo Santiago Moncayo Vaca, Karla Stefania Robles Ruales, Loyda Ximena Vanegas Chacha, Darwin Fabricio Rivadeneira Gallardo, Lorgia de Fátima Ochoa Roblez (Autor/a)
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