Disruptive Signification in a Hybrid Media Ecology: Civilisational Populism in Pakistan, Turkey and Indonesia

Abstract This paper employs the ontic/ontological distinction to explore the relationship between religion and populism in Pakistan, Turkey, and Indonesia within a hybrid media ecology. Building on recent discussions of nationalism and populism, the study investigates civilizational populism through the lens of the ontic/ontological distinction, which separates the ‘content’ and ‘form’ of populism. This framework is critical for understanding how populist movements utilize religion to construct notions of ‘the nation,’ ‘the people,’ and ‘civilization.’ The paper examines how Islamic and Islamist positions intertwine with populist narratives, deconstructing the concept of religious populism and exploring how hybrid media dynamics support these constructions. Drawing on 164 semi-structured interviews with populist supporters conducted ahead of the 2023/2024 elections, the study analyses how religious and ideological identifications shape populist narratives. Hybrid media ecology emerges as a vital factor in sustaining the ontic and ontological dimensions of religious populism, amplifying emotional attachments to ‘us’ while intensifying antagonisms toward the ‘Other.’ The findings reveal how social and legacy media interact to mediate these dynamics, reinforcing populist imaginaries.