Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies

Negotiating Indian Identity on X: Rishi Sunak’s Digital Hybridity

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Iman Vosooghian Ebrahimi 1
Hamideh Molaei 2

1 Department of South and East Asian Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 University of Tehran

10.22059/wsps.2025.396218.1525
Abstract
This article discusses the digital performance of cultural identity by Rishi Sunak, Britain’s first Prime Minister of Indian descent, through thematic analysis of 50 strategically selected X (Twitter) posts spanning his political ascendancy (2020-2025). Employing Hall’s representation theory, the analysis reveals a deliberate curation of Indian identity privileging ceremonial multiculturalism (Diwali commemorations, UK-India diplomatic exchanges) alongside neoliberal meritocratic narratives, while systematically excluding engagement with the history of colonialism or structural inequities. The analysis particularly highlights how UK-India diplomatic exchanges became a strategic site for Mr. Sunak to perform his hybrid identity. The project then advances the framework of “controlled visibility” to elucidate the dual mechanisms of such phenomenon in digital representation: strategic self-presentation by political actors intersecting with platform governance policies. The research contributes to an emerging field at the intersection of digital politics, ethnic studies, and British political discourse by highlighting how ethnic identity can be subtly embedded or strategically leveraged in the digital sphere.

Keywords

Cultural Identity
Digital Hybridity
Representation
Rishi Sunak
X(Twitter)
Subjects
Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 November 2025

  • Receive Date 28 May 2025
  • Revise Date 12 October 2025
  • Accept Date 08 November 2025

Home

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Reviewers

Contact Us