Comparing Political Communication

Introduction

“Comparing Political Communication: Reorientations in a Changing World” is a thought-provoking book that discusses the importance of comparative research in political communication. The book’s main argument is that a comparative approach is necessary to understand the dynamics of political communication, as it varies between cultures, making it necessary to analyze it from different cultural perspectives. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the book’s key themes, arguments, and contributions.

Chapter 1: Historical Perspective

The authors begin by providing a historical perspective on comparative research in communication science. They note that, until the early 1990s, communication research lacked an international orientation comparable to that of political science. This was despite political communication being a central subject in communication science. The authors argue that this was a significant oversight, as political communication cannot be suitably studied without comparative research, as its form varies between cultures.

Chapter 2: Comparative Methodology

In chapter 2, the authors provide a detailed overview of comparative methodology. They discuss the different types of comparative research designs, including cross-sectional, longitudinal, and case studies. The authors argue that the choice of comparative research design should depend on the research question and the level of analysis. They also discuss the challenges of comparative research, including issues of comparability, translation, and the need for cultural sensitivity.

Chapter 3: Political Communication Systems

The third chapter focuses on the concept of political communication systems. The authors argue that political communication systems vary between countries and regions, reflecting differences in political culture, media systems, and institutional arrangements. The authors provide an overview of different models of political communication systems, including the American model, the European model, and the Asian model. They argue that a comparative approach is necessary to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different models and to identify opportunities for cross-national learning.

Chapter 4: Political Actors and Communication Strategies

Chapter 4 examines the role of political actors and communication strategies in political communication. The authors argue that political actors, including political parties, interest groups, and social movements, use a range of communication strategies to engage with citizens and mobilize support. The authors provide examples of different communication strategies, including agenda-setting, framing, and persuasion. They argue that a comparative approach is necessary to understand the effectiveness of different communication strategies in different political contexts.

Chapter 5: Media Systems and Journalism

Chapter 5 focuses on media systems and journalism. The authors argue that media systems vary between countries, reflecting differences in political culture, media ownership, and regulatory frameworks. The authors provide an overview of different models of media systems, including the liberal model. The democratic-corporatist model, and the polarized pluralist model. They argue that a comparative approach is necessary to understand the strengths. And weaknesses of different media systems and to identify opportunities for cross-national learning.

Chapter 6: Public Opinion and Political Attitudes

Chapter 6 examines the role of public opinion and political attitudes in political communication. The authors argue that public opinion and political attitudes vary between countries. Reflecting differences in political culture, media systems, and institutional arrangements. The authors provide an overview of different models of public opinion and political attitudes. Including the American model, the European model, and the Asian model. They argue that a comparative approach is necessary to understand the similarities and differences in public opinion. Political attitudes across different political contexts.

Conclusion

“Comparing Political Communication: Reorientations in a Changing World” is a valuable contribution to the field of political communication. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of comparative research in political communication. It offers a useful framework for conducting comparative research in this field. The authors’ argument that political communication varies between cultures.