Political communication
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Political Communication in the 21st Century
Evolution of Political Communication
Political communication has evolved significantly from its early roots in Aristotle's "Rhetoric and Politics" to the complex, multifaceted field it is today. The study of political messages and their impact has been a subject of interest for over 2,000 years, and in the 21st century, it continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities1.
Theoretical Foundations and Multidisciplinary Nature
Political communication is both a professional practice and an academic discipline. It encompasses various processes such as propaganda, electoral marketing, political campaigning, and public relations. The field draws on theories and methods from communication, political science, sociology, psychology, marketing, history, and rhetoric, making it inherently multidisciplinary4. This complexity is reflected in the interaction between political actors, the media, and citizens, which is characterized by its persuasive and strategic nature4.
Key Actors in Political Communication
The primary actors in political communication include political leaders, journalists, and the public, as expressed through polls. These actors engage in a dynamic exchange of conflicting discourses, highlighting the role of communication in expressing and managing political conflict within democratic systems2. This interaction is crucial for understanding the pluralistic nature of mass democracies, where communication serves as a medium for both conflict and consensus2.
Impact of Mass Communication and Media
Mass communication plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and political behavior. Advertising, for instance, is a powerful tool for political persuasion. Advances in communication technology have significantly altered policy and decision-making processes, making the study of media effects a central concern in political communication research3. The mediatization process, where media channels filter and shape political messages, underscores the importance of understanding how information is transmitted and received in modern political contexts4.
Nonverbal Communication in Politics
Nonverbal communication is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of political messaging. Research from 2005 to 2015 indicates that nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, carry substantial political information and influence decision-making, especially in low-information environments. Visual elements can affect political decisions through cognitive and emotional pathways, highlighting the need for further research into the interplay between visual and verbal communication6.
Political Communication as Foreign Policy
Political communication also serves as an instrument of foreign policy. Public attitudes towards political communication and propaganda can significantly impact its effectiveness. A deeper understanding of the capabilities and characteristics of propaganda is essential for its efficient use in foreign policy7.
Changing Foundations and Minimal Effects
The foundations of political communication are continually evolving. The detachment of individuals from traditional institutions like political parties and civic groups has led to a more fragmented and individualized media landscape. This shift raises questions about the relevance of traditional mass media concepts and suggests a potential return to an era of minimal effects, where media messages have limited influence on public opinion8.
Methodological Advances in Political Communication Research
The field of political communication has seen significant methodological advancements. Scholars have developed more precise indicators of media exposure and incorporated longitudinal designs into their studies. These innovations have pushed the field in new directions, contributing to a renaissance in political communication research9.
Social Communication and Political Expertise
Social communication plays a vital role in the dissemination of political expertise. Individuals often rely on the political knowledge of others, creating a multiplier effect that enhances the overall political capacity of the electorate. This process underscores the importance of social interactions in shaping political behavior and decision-making10.
Conclusion
Political communication is a dynamic and evolving field that encompasses a wide range of practices and theoretical perspectives. From the strategic interactions between political actors and the media to the subtle influences of nonverbal cues and social communication, understanding the complexities of political communication is essential for navigating the modern political landscape. As the field continues to adapt to new technological and social changes, ongoing research will be crucial in uncovering the mechanisms and effects of political messaging in the 21st century.
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Political Communication Faces the 21st Century
The study of political communication has come a long way. If we take Aristotle's Rhetoric and Politics written in 350 B.C. as a starting point, political messages have been noted, dissected, and speculated about for well over 2,000 years. So where are we now, in the 21st century of the Christian era, and where should we be heading?.
Highly CitedPolitical Communication: The Construction of a Model
Political communication is a locus for the exchange of conflicting discourses between political leaders, journalists, and public opinion, highlighting its importance in understanding pluralistic mass democracies.
Handbook of political communication
This Handbook of Political Communication provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving field, addressing the origins, future potential, and findings of this evolving field.
Highly CitedPolitical Communication
Political communication is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on interaction between political actors, the media, and citizens, with a persuasive and strategic character.
Studying the New Communication of Politics
The 1975 Political Communication research agenda is well-suited for studying the new communication of politics, focusing on behavior and cognitions rather than inferred attitudes, and examining media experience, curvilinear processes, and comparative theorizing across national systems.
Nonverbal Communication in Politics
Nonverbal communication in politics influences political decision-making through cognitive and emotional routes, particularly in low-information conditions.
Literature ReviewPOLITICAL COMMUNICATION AS AN INSTRUMENT OF FOREIGN POLICY
Public attitudes towards political communication as an instrument of foreign policy are hindering its efficient use as a foreign policy tool due to a lack of understanding of propaganda's capabilities and characteristics.
A New Era of Minimal Effects? The Changing Foundations of Political Communication
Klapper (1960) remains relevant, the underlying context has changed, and the study of political communication in the modern era may not accurately reflect the sociotechnological context.
Highly CitedThe Method is the Message: The Current State of Political Communication Research
Political communication research has advanced through precise indicators of media exposure and incorporating longitudinal designs, contributing to the current renaissance in the field.
The Social Communication of Political Expertise
People's ability to identify political expertise in others can enhance political capacity within the electorate, potentially improving democratic politics.
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