Abstract
The modern nation-state is increasingly under pressure within the framework of the processes of economic globalisation. The use of fear of the 'other' is not a new concept in the history of nations, but this paper will argue that the convergence of sophisticated technology, monolithic media and weak governments gives rise to the use of fear as 'Infeartainment', a way of containing the citizen as well as entertaining them in the process. It will also argue that infeartainment is a visible threat to the processes of democracy. As a counterpoint to this threat is the development of a continuing exploration of the processes of people's participation as a way of strengthening communities and building partnerships between government and the community. This paper will critically examine the ongoing developments in participatory methodology and the problems that arise from the loose framework within which it operates. It will further draw from practice in different parts of the world so as to highlight best practice in what we call STEP (Strategies and Techniques for Empowering Participation).