Politics, Media and Political Communication – serie

This book explores the challenges that disinformation, fake news, and post-truth politics pose to democracy from a multidisciplinary perspective. The authors analyse and interpret how the use of technology and social media as well as the emergence of new political narratives has been progressively changing the information landscape, undermining some of the pillars of democracy.The volume sheds light on some topical questions connected to fake news, thereby contributing to a fuller understanding of its impact on democracy. In the Introduction, the editors offer some orientating definitions of post-truth politics, building a theoretical framework where various different aspects of fake news can be understood. The book is then divided into three parts: Part I helps to contextualise the phenomena investigated, offering definitions and discussing key concepts as well as aspects linked to the manipulation of information systems, especially considering its reverberation on democracy. Part II considers the phenomena of disinformation, fake news, and post-truth politics in the context of Russia, which emerges as a laboratory where the phases of creation and diffusion of fake news can be broken down and analysed; consequently, Part II also reflects on the ways to counteract disinformation and fake news. Part III moves from case studies in Western and Central Europe to reflect on the methodological difficulty of investigating disinformation, as well as tackling the very delicate question of detection, combat, and prevention of fake news.This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of political science, law, political philosophy, journalism, media studies, and computer science, since it provides a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of post-truth politics.

This book explores the challenges that disinformation, fake news, and post-truth politics pose to democracy from a multidisciplinary perspective. The authors analyse and interpret how the use of technology and social media as well as the emergence of new political narratives has been progressively changing the information landscape, undermining some of the pillars of democracy.The volume sheds light on some topical questions connected to fake news, thereby contributing to a fuller understanding of its impact on democracy. In the Introduction, the editors offer some orientating definitions of post-truth politics, building a theoretical framework where various different aspects of fake news can be understood. The book is then divided into three parts: Part I helps to contextualise the phenomena investigated, offering definitions and discussing key concepts as well as aspects linked to the manipulation of information systems, especially considering its reverberation on democracy. Part II considers the phenomena of disinformation, fake news, and post-truth politics in the context of Russia, which emerges as a laboratory where the phases of creation and diffusion of fake news can be broken down and analysed; consequently, Part II also reflects on the ways to counteract disinformation and fake news. Part III moves from case studies in Western and Central Europe to reflect on the methodological difficulty of investigating disinformation, as well as tackling the very delicate question of detection, combat, and prevention of fake news.This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of political science, law, political philosophy, journalism, media studies, and computer science, since it provides a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis of post-truth politics.

This book conceptually examines the role of communication in global jihad from multiple perspectives. The main premise is that communication is so vital to the global jihadist movement today that jihadists will use any communicative tool, tactic, or approach to impact or transform people and the public at large. The author explores how and why the benefits of communication are a huge boon to jihadist operations, with jihadists communicating their ideological programs to develop a strong base for undertaking terrorist violence. The use of various information and communication systems and platforms by jihadists exemplifies the most recent progress in the relationship between terrorism, media, and the new information environment.For jihadist organizations like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, recruiting new volunteers for the Caliphate who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause is a top priority. Based on various conceptual analyses, case studies, and theoretical applications, this book explores the communicative tools, tactics, and approaches used for this recruitment, including narratives, propaganda, mainstream media, social media, new information and communication technologies, the jihadisphere, visual imagery, media framing, globalization, financing networks, crime–jihad nexuses, group communication, radicalization, social movements, fatwas, martyrdom videos, pop-jihad, and jihadist nasheeds.This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of communication studies, political science, terrorism and international security, Islamic studies, and cultural studies.

This book conceptually examines the role of communication in global jihad from multiple perspectives. The main premise is that communication is so vital to the global jihadist movement today that jihadists will use any communicative tool, tactic, or approach to impact or transform people and the public at large. The author explores how and why the benefits of communication are a huge boon to jihadist operations, with jihadists communicating their ideological programs to develop a strong base for undertaking terrorist violence. The use of various information and communication systems and platforms by jihadists exemplifies the most recent progress in the relationship between terrorism, media, and the new information environment.For jihadist organizations like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, recruiting new volunteers for the Caliphate who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the cause is a top priority. Based on various conceptual analyses, case studies, and theoretical applications, this book explores the communicative tools, tactics, and approaches used for this recruitment, including narratives, propaganda, mainstream media, social media, new information and communication technologies, the jihadisphere, visual imagery, media framing, globalization, financing networks, crime–jihad nexuses, group communication, radicalization, social movements, fatwas, martyrdom videos, pop-jihad, and jihadist nasheeds.This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of communication studies, political science, terrorism and international security, Islamic studies, and cultural studies.

This edited collection compares and analyses the most prominent political communicative responses to the outbreak and global spread of the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus within 27 nations across five continents and two supranational organisations: the EU and the WHO. The book encompasses the various governments’ communication of the crisis, the role played by opposition and the vibrancy of the information environment within each nation.The chapters analyse the communication drawing on theoretical perspectives drawn from the fields of crisis communication, political communication and political psychology. In doing so the book develops a framework to assess the extent to which state communication followed the key indicators of effective communication encapsulated in the principles of: being first; being right; being credible; expressing empathy; promoting action; and showing respect. The book also examines how communication circulated within the mass and social media environments and what impact differences in spokespersons, messages and the broader context has on the success of implementing measures likely to reduce the spread of the virus. Cumulatively, the authors develop a global analysis of the responses and how these are shaped by their specific contexts and by the flow of information, while offering lessons for future political crisis communication.This book will be of great interest to students and researchers of politics, communication and public relations, specifically on courses and modules relating to current affairs, crisis communication and strategic communication, as well as practitioners working in the field of health crisis communication.The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license. Thanks to the support of libraries working with Knowledge Unlatched www.knowledgeunlatched.org

This edited collection compares and analyses the most prominent political communicative responses to the outbreak and global spread of the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus within 27 nations across five continents and two supranational organisations: the EU and the WHO. The book encompasses the various governments’ communication of the crisis, the role played by opposition and the vibrancy of the information environment within each nation.The chapters analyse the communication drawing on theoretical perspectives drawn from the fields of crisis communication, political communication and political psychology. In doing so the book develops a framework to assess the extent to which state communication followed the key indicators of effective communication encapsulated in the principles of: being first; being right; being credible; expressing empathy; promoting action; and showing respect. The book also examines how communication circulated within the mass and social media environments and what impact differences in spokespersons, messages and the broader context has on the success of implementing measures likely to reduce the spread of the virus. Cumulatively, the authors develop a global analysis of the responses and how these are shaped by their specific contexts and by the flow of information, while offering lessons for future political crisis communication.This book will be of great interest to students and researchers of politics, communication and public relations, specifically on courses and modules relating to current affairs, crisis communication and strategic communication, as well as practitioners working in the field of health crisis communication.The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license. Thanks to the support of libraries working with Knowledge Unlatched www.knowledgeunlatched.org

The Capitol Riots maps out the events of the January 6, 2021 insurrectionary riots at the United States Capitol building, providing context for understanding the contributing factors and ongoing implications of the uprising.This definitive text explores the rise of populism, disinformation, conspiracy theories, the alt-right, and white supremacy during the lead-up to and planning of the Stop the Steal campaign, as well as the complex interplay during the riots of political performances, costumes, objectives, communications, digital media, datafication, race, gender, and—ultimately—power. Assembling raw data from social media, selfie photos and videos, and mainstream journalism, the authors develop a timeline and data visualizations representing the events. They delve into the complex, openly shared narratives, motivations, and actions of people on the ground that day who violated the symbolic center of U.S. democracy. An analysis of visual data reveals an affective outpouring of mutually amplifying expressions of frustration, fear, hate, anger, and anomie that correspond to similar logics and counter-logics in the polarized and chaotic contemporary media environment that have only been intensified by COVID-19 lockdowns, conspiracy theories, and a call to action at the Capitol from the outgoing POTUS and his inner circle.The book will appeal to both a general audience of those curious about how and why the Capitol riots unfolded and to students and scholars of communications, political science, media studies, sociology, education, surveillance studies, digital humanities, gender studies, critical whiteness studies, and datafication studies. It will also find an audience within computer science and technology studies through its approach to big data, data visualization, AI, algorithms, data tracking, and other data sciences.

The Capitol Riots maps out the events of the January 6, 2021 insurrectionary riots at the United States Capitol building, providing context for understanding the contributing factors and ongoing implications of the uprising.This definitive text explores the rise of populism, disinformation, conspiracy theories, the alt-right, and white supremacy during the lead-up to and planning of the Stop the Steal campaign, as well as the complex interplay during the riots of political performances, costumes, objectives, communications, digital media, datafication, race, gender, and—ultimately—power. Assembling raw data from social media, selfie photos and videos, and mainstream journalism, the authors develop a timeline and data visualizations representing the events. They delve into the complex, openly shared narratives, motivations, and actions of people on the ground that day who violated the symbolic center of U.S. democracy. An analysis of visual data reveals an affective outpouring of mutually amplifying expressions of frustration, fear, hate, anger, and anomie that correspond to similar logics and counter-logics in the polarized and chaotic contemporary media environment that have only been intensified by COVID-19 lockdowns, conspiracy theories, and a call to action at the Capitol from the outgoing POTUS and his inner circle.The book will appeal to both a general audience of those curious about how and why the Capitol riots unfolded and to students and scholars of communications, political science, media studies, sociology, education, surveillance studies, digital humanities, gender studies, critical whiteness studies, and datafication studies. It will also find an audience within computer science and technology studies through its approach to big data, data visualization, AI, algorithms, data tracking, and other data sciences.

Changes in Jihadi Discourse in the Wake of the "Islamic State" explores how the transnational jihadi discourse changed with the development of the "Islamic State" terrorist group and resulted in the fragmentation of the jihadi movement.From the Middle East, through Africa to South East Asia, today’s jihadi movement is more fragmented than ever. Al-Qaida and the "Islamic State" compete not only with each other but also with local jihadi groups. Despite the fact that, in the wake of the "Islamic State", international jihadi groups are in fierce competition for supporters, little has been said on how the process of competition as well as external events changed the ideology of these groups and the topics relevant to them. Countering dominant research focusing on the differences between jihadi strains, this book explores how the appearance and temporary strength of the "Islamic State" changed the topics and talking points of other jihadi actors, such as al-Qaida. By analyzing primary sources in Arabic and English, the author sheds light on the inner- and inter-jihadi discourse and its development over the years. The book does not simply describe changes in topics; it traces these changes quantitatively and relates them to external events.This book is aimed at academics, researchers, and postgraduate students interested in political science, security studies, jihadism, jihadi discourse, al-Qaida, "Islamic State", and Salafism, as well as practitioners and decision-makers in government agencies who wish to understand how transnational jihadi discourse has developed over the previous two decades.

Changes in Jihadi Discourse in the Wake of the "Islamic State" explores how the transnational jihadi discourse changed with the development of the "Islamic State" terrorist group and resulted in the fragmentation of the jihadi movement.From the Middle East, through Africa to South East Asia, today’s jihadi movement is more fragmented than ever. Al-Qaida and the "Islamic State" compete not only with each other but also with local jihadi groups. Despite the fact that, in the wake of the "Islamic State", international jihadi groups are in fierce competition for supporters, little has been said on how the process of competition as well as external events changed the ideology of these groups and the topics relevant to them. Countering dominant research focusing on the differences between jihadi strains, this book explores how the appearance and temporary strength of the "Islamic State" changed the topics and talking points of other jihadi actors, such as al-Qaida. By analyzing primary sources in Arabic and English, the author sheds light on the inner- and inter-jihadi discourse and its development over the years. The book does not simply describe changes in topics; it traces these changes quantitatively and relates them to external events.This book is aimed at academics, researchers, and postgraduate students interested in political science, security studies, jihadism, jihadi discourse, al-Qaida, "Islamic State", and Salafism, as well as practitioners and decision-makers in government agencies who wish to understand how transnational jihadi discourse has developed over the previous two decades.

Authoritarian Populism and the Challenges for News Journalism: A Discourse Approachis a cutting‑edge study of the practices of news journalism against the background of surging authoritarian populism.This book traces key challenges for news journalism when reporting on authoritarian populism or on topics (such as immigration and terrorism) that are typically leveraged by far‑right actors and platforms as a way of attracting media attention and boosting their popularity with national electorates. It also offers in‑depth analyses of how these challenges are responded to by news journalists in the actual, day‑to‑day practices of news production, as evidenced in the discourse of news. By placing qualitative, critical analysis of discourse at the heart of the systematic inquiry into authoritarian populism in the news media, this book applies a broad methodological framework for studying (a) political performances and their mediated representations, (b) the complex and, often contradictory, normalizing processes at work in the news media, and (c) the attendant challenges and critical tasks for contemporary news journalism. Based on detailed analyses of political and news discourse in various European contexts, and in the US, spanning a decade (2014–2024), this book makes a timely and relevant contribution – as liberal democracies could be facing a new turning point in the global rise of authoritarian populism.This book will be of interest to students and scholars of journalism, media studies, political communication, political science, sociology, and discourse studies who are interested in authoritarian and far‑right populism, related discourses of nationalism and xenophobia, populist communication, and the role of news media and journalism.The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

Authoritarian Populism and the Challenges for News Journalism: A Discourse Approachis a cutting‑edge study of the practices of news journalism against the background of surging authoritarian populism.This book traces key challenges for news journalism when reporting on authoritarian populism or on topics (such as immigration and terrorism) that are typically leveraged by far‑right actors and platforms as a way of attracting media attention and boosting their popularity with national electorates. It also offers in‑depth analyses of how these challenges are responded to by news journalists in the actual, day‑to‑day practices of news production, as evidenced in the discourse of news. By placing qualitative, critical analysis of discourse at the heart of the systematic inquiry into authoritarian populism in the news media, this book applies a broad methodological framework for studying (a) political performances and their mediated representations, (b) the complex and, often contradictory, normalizing processes at work in the news media, and (c) the attendant challenges and critical tasks for contemporary news journalism. Based on detailed analyses of political and news discourse in various European contexts, and in the US, spanning a decade (2014–2024), this book makes a timely and relevant contribution – as liberal democracies could be facing a new turning point in the global rise of authoritarian populism.This book will be of interest to students and scholars of journalism, media studies, political communication, political science, sociology, and discourse studies who are interested in authoritarian and far‑right populism, related discourses of nationalism and xenophobia, populist communication, and the role of news media and journalism.The Open Access version of this book, available at http://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

The International Politics of Logos provides the first systematic analysis of logos and the role they play in international politics.Whilst there is growing scholarly interest in visual politics, logos have largely remained hidden in plain sight despite being the most important symbol of a variety of organizations. Visual artefacts, such as logos, play an increasingly central role in politics. Candidates running for office carefully choose the images they share on social media, political parties devise effective brands, and NGOs use visual artefacts for advocacy and advertisement. Visual artefacts are also vital for violent non-state actors, ranging from private military and security companies (PMSCs) to terrorists. This book provides a wealth of data on the logos chosen by a variety of organizations, examining how they vary between actors, across types of organizations, and over time. It offers methodological innovations to the study of logos and visual politics, highlighting the potential of combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies to study the colours, symbols, and types of logos and other visual artefacts. The book examines the role of colours as cues and the causal connection between chromatic choices and ideology, the influence of socialization and norm diffusion dynamics in the choice to showcase (or scrap) specific symbols, and the relationship between branding decisions and the structure and strategies of specific organizations.This book will appeal to students and scholars of visual politics and visual communication, as well as those researching political parties, PMSCs, and terrorist groups. It will also be of interest to political, security, and marketing professionals.

The International Politics of Logos provides the first systematic analysis of logos and the role they play in international politics.Whilst there is growing scholarly interest in visual politics, logos have largely remained hidden in plain sight despite being the most important symbol of a variety of organizations. Visual artefacts, such as logos, play an increasingly central role in politics. Candidates running for office carefully choose the images they share on social media, political parties devise effective brands, and NGOs use visual artefacts for advocacy and advertisement. Visual artefacts are also vital for violent non-state actors, ranging from private military and security companies (PMSCs) to terrorists. This book provides a wealth of data on the logos chosen by a variety of organizations, examining how they vary between actors, across types of organizations, and over time. It offers methodological innovations to the study of logos and visual politics, highlighting the potential of combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies to study the colours, symbols, and types of logos and other visual artefacts. The book examines the role of colours as cues and the causal connection between chromatic choices and ideology, the influence of socialization and norm diffusion dynamics in the choice to showcase (or scrap) specific symbols, and the relationship between branding decisions and the structure and strategies of specific organizations.This book will appeal to students and scholars of visual politics and visual communication, as well as those researching political parties, PMSCs, and terrorist groups. It will also be of interest to political, security, and marketing professionals.

Risk Communication and COVID-19 explores the “risk communication” responses by national governments to the outbreak and global spread of the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus.The book focuses on 17 country case studies, representing countries all around the world, covering a range of democratic and authoritarian systems, styles of leadership, and political contexts. The chapters analyze communication drawing on a modified risk communication framework to determine what patterns governmental risk communication followed in several areas: messenger attributes, consistency and clarity of communication, communication methods, message attributes, and public trust in government. The book also analyzes how these attributes changed and developed over time from 2020 to 2022. The analyzed period is divided into several parts representing different pandemic milestones, such as the first cases, the second wave of the pandemic, vaccination, and adaptation to the endemic logic of dealing with the COVID-19 virus. Importantly, the book draws out key lessons which can inform communication strategies during crises, particularly when the crisis necessitates public behavioral adjustments. The lessons are framed to further understanding of the challenges faced within the field of political risk communication during crises in the twenty-first century.This book will be of great interest to students and researchers of politics, communication, and public relations, specifically on courses and modules relating to current affairs, risk communication, crisis communication, and strategic communication, as well as practitioners working in the field of health crisis communication.

Risk Communication and COVID-19 explores the “risk communication” responses by national governments to the outbreak and global spread of the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus.The book focuses on 17 country case studies, representing countries all around the world, covering a range of democratic and authoritarian systems, styles of leadership, and political contexts. The chapters analyze communication drawing on a modified risk communication framework to determine what patterns governmental risk communication followed in several areas: messenger attributes, consistency and clarity of communication, communication methods, message attributes, and public trust in government. The book also analyzes how these attributes changed and developed over time from 2020 to 2022. The analyzed period is divided into several parts representing different pandemic milestones, such as the first cases, the second wave of the pandemic, vaccination, and adaptation to the endemic logic of dealing with the COVID-19 virus. Importantly, the book draws out key lessons which can inform communication strategies during crises, particularly when the crisis necessitates public behavioral adjustments. The lessons are framed to further understanding of the challenges faced within the field of political risk communication during crises in the twenty-first century.This book will be of great interest to students and researchers of politics, communication, and public relations, specifically on courses and modules relating to current affairs, risk communication, crisis communication, and strategic communication, as well as practitioners working in the field of health crisis communication.

This book analyzes the role of social networks during electoral campaigns around the world, taking into account the non‑technological particularities (political, electoral, social, economic, cultural) of the media configurations of different countries.Political parties all over the world engage in real virtual battles to appear at the cutting edge of technology. Providing in‑depth case studies from across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, this book emphasizes the need to study how institutions, culture, and politics shape the processes of technology diffusion in each context. It asks: what are the uses of social networks in election campaigns in different countries? and what are the factors that lead to social networks playing an important role in the elections of a given country? International and comparative in focus, this book brings together work on the uses of social networks (Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Telegram, and more) in the context of an election campaign by different actors (such as parties, companies, journalists, and voters). This book explores the different methodological and theoretical approaches developed for the study of the uses of social networks in an electoral context. The contributors focus on the identification of the “online ecosystem” of electoral actors in each country, studying their strategies and logic. They also analyze the scaremongering rhetoric about the possible effect of social media on elections as an object of study. While taking seriously the issues of polarization, disinformation, or negative campaigning, this book provides understanding of how these work and how their discourses are constructed.This book will be of great interest to upper‑level students and scholars of Political Science, Media, and Communications Studies.

This book analyzes the role of social networks during electoral campaigns around the world, taking into account the non‑technological particularities (political, electoral, social, economic, cultural) of the media configurations of different countries.Political parties all over the world engage in real virtual battles to appear at the cutting edge of technology. Providing in‑depth case studies from across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, this book emphasizes the need to study how institutions, culture, and politics shape the processes of technology diffusion in each context. It asks: what are the uses of social networks in election campaigns in different countries? and what are the factors that lead to social networks playing an important role in the elections of a given country? International and comparative in focus, this book brings together work on the uses of social networks (Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Telegram, and more) in the context of an election campaign by different actors (such as parties, companies, journalists, and voters). This book explores the different methodological and theoretical approaches developed for the study of the uses of social networks in an electoral context. The contributors focus on the identification of the “online ecosystem” of electoral actors in each country, studying their strategies and logic. They also analyze the scaremongering rhetoric about the possible effect of social media on elections as an object of study. While taking seriously the issues of polarization, disinformation, or negative campaigning, this book provides understanding of how these work and how their discourses are constructed.This book will be of great interest to upper‑level students and scholars of Political Science, Media, and Communications Studies.

The Political Economy of Alternative Media provides in-depth insights into media practices used by grassroots projects to organize, produce, and distribute the media that support and report on social movements.This book is based on five years of participatory research with global intersectional media activist projects. Mapping out the rich and varied textures of the political economy of media activist projects from small to large and from simple to complex, this book considers structures, funding models, media labor, intersectional power, and media imaginaries, foregrounding the voices of global media activists. It reflects on the changes wrought by shifts to digital media ecologies and economies in the contemporary alternative media space.This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of politics and communication studies interested in the political economy of media, social movements, digital media, alternative media, critical media, citizen media, communication for social change, technopolitics and alternative journalism. It will also appeal to media activists and journalists, providing a roadmap for crucial considerations when developing organizational structures in independent media projects.

How Disinformation Ruins Public Diplomacy evaluates and analyzes how Chinese and Russian public diplomacy strategies differ from the existing academic literature and debates, specifically in the context of the new disinformation era.In the context of mediatized public diplomacy, disinformation, and deglobalization, this book asks: do China, Russia, and new emerging powers take advantage by employing values and techniques attributed to public diplomacy? What if goals (dialogue and cooperation) are settled on an unfair basis (false content, meddling, and institutional erosion)? Can their repertoire of actions be considered public diplomacy? And if their initiatives are not public diplomacy, what impact do their actions have on the theoretical construction of the discipline? While using China and Russia as the two main case studies in order to develop a new theory, this book covers other relevant cases on the management of public diplomacy for other purposes. The case of Turkey provides a model of transformation and adaptation of public diplomacy, with Erdogan's hyper-leadership built on anti-Western rhetoric and the emergence of a new Ottomanism. The case of India explores Modi’s creation of an ethnically-branded democracy which places Hinduism at the heart of political decisions. In the case of Morocco, its positioning in religious dialogue, the establishment of relations and political normalization with Israel, and territorial unity (Western Sahara) are explored.Exploring how authoritarian powers abuse the global disinformation order to achieve their public diplomacy goals, this book will be of great interest to students and scholars of international relations, politics, public diplomacy, communication studies, and social theory. In the professional sphere it will also appeal to politicians, diplomats, foreign policy makers, think-tanks, journalists, and foreign correspondents.

The Political Economy of Alternative Media provides in-depth insights into media practices used by grassroots projects to organize, produce, and distribute the media that support and report on social movements.This book is based on five years of participatory research with global intersectional media activist projects. Mapping out the rich and varied textures of the political economy of media activist projects from small to large and from simple to complex, this book considers structures, funding models, media labor, intersectional power, and media imaginaries, foregrounding the voices of global media activists. It reflects on the changes wrought by shifts to digital media ecologies and economies in the contemporary alternative media space.This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of politics and communication studies interested in the political economy of media, social movements, digital media, alternative media, critical media, citizen media, communication for social change, technopolitics and alternative journalism. It will also appeal to media activists and journalists, providing a roadmap for crucial considerations when developing organizational structures in independent media projects.

Media Literacy and E-Democracy in the EU examines the crucial role of media literacy in strengthening e-democracy within the European Union (EU).In an era where digital media increasingly shape democratic processes, the EU faces both new opportunities and challenges in promoting active citizenship and transparent governance. This book explores how media education aimed at advancing digital media literacy can serve as the foundation for informed and responsible civic engagement, helping to build a more resilient democratic society. Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of current e-democracy initiatives in the EU, the book offers a fresh perspective on the relevance of media education to advance citizens’ digital media literacy. It focuses on the EU due to its unique governance features and distinct digital policy framework. However, its insights and best practices are relevant globally, as media literacy and democratic engagement are universal challenges. The interplay between fast advancements of digitalisation of communication, media literacy and citizens’ ability and willingness to participate actively in public affairs is examined in depth.Interdisciplinary in approach, this book will interest students and scholars in political science, media studies, sociology and European studies, as well as policymakers and civil society actors focused on digital governance and civic engagement. Media professionals, journalists and educators will also find it valuable for understanding and shaping democratic participation in the digital age.

Adolescence, Identity, and the Politics of Recognition in the Social Media Era explores the political identity formation of adolescents online, with a focus on recognition theory, affect, and lived experiences of belonging and non-belonging.In a socio-political moment characterised by culture wars and epistemic disjunctures, largely facilitated by the algorithmic logics of modern social media technologies, people are increasingly turning their attention to the role of social media in political belief formation, rising populism, and polarisation. Understanding how these dynamics inform the developing political identities of young people coming of age online is, however, under-explored. In response, this book examines how the desire for recognition and belonging drives identity articulation and political affiliation—both online and offline—for teens negotiating identity construction in the digital era. Using interviews and surveys with New Zealand teens, and employing recognition theory, the book discusses findings which demonstrate how the political identities of adolescents are informed by their relationships with others and mediated by the algorithmic logics of social media platforms. The main themes in the book explore how social media adoption has become a rite of passage for young people in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, facilitating new sites and pathways for recognition. Additionally, insofar as these sites are governed by algorithmic technologies, they demonstrate potential to both facilitate and inhibit capacities for autonomy, connection, and meaningful recognition of both self and others.Adolescence, Identity, and the Politics of Recognition in the Social Media Era will be of great interest to students and scholars of Politics and Communication Studies, as well as Social Anthropology, Sociology, Youth Studies, and Education.

Against Post-Truth: An Empirical-Theoretical Inquiry into News Media delivers a refreshingly critical perspective on the post-truth debate, challenging the naturalized status of this concept as an epochal crisis in contemporary epistemology, media and politics. By subverting the very logic behind such a diagnosis, this book refuses to look at post-truth as a taken-for-granted phenomenon and rather focuses on the way the term was concretely conceptualized and talked about. This book traces the historical trajectory of the neologism, critically dissects its interpretations in academia and media and analyses nearly 1,700 articles from Italian and British news outlets in search for the meanings and the subjectivities associated with the term. Drawing on post-structuralist discourse theory and culturalist cognitive sociology, it reveals how the “post-truth discourse” simplifies complex phenomena and identities, overemphasizes the deviant side of the debate, builds on problematic premises and ultimately obscures critical questions about truth, knowledge and democracy. Against Post-Truth is crafted in clear and accessible language and will be of interest to scholars and students in media studies, political theory, philosophy and discourse analysis. It equips readers with conceptual tools to critically deconstruct the common post-truth narratives and provides valuable insights for navigating the challenges and anxieties of our time without falling into simplistic or utopian solutions.

Hate Speech, Political Correctness, and Cancel Culture critically examines the challenges posed by modern discourse in democratic societies. It explores the intersection of hate speech, political correctness, cancel culture, and disinformation, and offers a comparative and multidisciplinary perspective on their ethical, legal, and societal implications.Delving into the complexities of contemporary communication, the book addresses pressing issues such as the rise of cancel culture, the evolution of political correctness, and the proliferation of disinformation and fake news in the digital age. It investigates how these phenomena impact freedom of speech, democratic values, and social ethics, while also exploring their influence on identity politics, public opinion, polarization, and the integrity of democratic elections. With contributions from leading scholars from a range of academic and geographical backgrounds, the book provides critical insights into topics like antisemitism, hate speech targeting refugees, judicial stereotyping, online speech, and the regulation of AI-driven disinformation. Through case studies, theoretical analysis, and comparative perspectives, it offers practical solutions for navigating the challenges of misinformation, fostering inclusivity, and balancing freedom of expression with communal responsibilities.Hate Speech, Political Correctness, and Cancel Culture is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand how modern discourse shapes public life in the digital era. It will be of great interest to students and scholars of politics, philosophy and ethics, media and communication studies, and law. Policymakers and professionals involved in regulating online platforms will also find its discussions on disinformation and technological control highly relevant.

State Capture through Media Clientelism in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina: Challenges to Normative Power Europe contributes to the understanding of the rise of stabilitocracies and competitive authoritarian regimes in the Western Balkans by examining the case of freedom and independence of the media.State capture is explored through freedom of the media and capture of media outlets by the government in two candidates for European Union (EU) accession—Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The book argues that this is a consequence of the very process of EU accession—vis-à-vis its democracy-promotion strategy—which has created the unintended consequences of state capture and rent-seeking. Rather than democratic institution-building, geopolitical interests such as the recent Russian war in Ukraine, Kosovo, lithium in Serbia and the migrant crisis have all been the catalysts for democratic backsliding. This rise of state capture and media clientelism thus challenges the very idea of Normative Power Europe (NPE) as an exporter of democratic values and norms to third-world countries. Utilizing a range of interviews (with journalists, media experts, scholars of media studies and politicians) and documentary analysis of secondary and primary sources, the book asks whether we can observe a similar trend of state capture—specifically political clientelism vis-à-vis the media—in the newly emerging illiberal democracies in the Balkans as a novelty, or if lessons can be drawn from EU members in the post-accession phase. It also discusses whether the political culture in both Bosnia and Serbia shaped their media environments and contributed to an overall government pervasiveness in the media sphere that is unique to that particular region as opposed to the EU Member States, and what recommendations the EU needs to consider in order to promote media freedom in the Western Balkan applicants without endangering basic democratic norms.State Capture through Media Clientelism in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be of great interest to students and scholars of EU and European studies, political science and media studies.