New Books in Communications

Alan Chong, "The International Politics of Communication: Representing Community in a Globalizing World" (U Michigan Press, 2025)

May 4, 2025
Alan Chong, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, discusses the impact of globalization on communication and community identity. He explores how informal diplomacy shapes public opinion through channels like media, tourism, and social networks. Chong highlights the challenges of navigating soft power amid U.S.-China tensions and the influence of corporations on information flow. He also emphasizes the importance of transparency in governance and the role of peace education in fostering global understanding, creating a fascinating dialogue on the intersection of communication and international relations.
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INSIGHT

Politics of International Communication

  • International communication influences global politics by shaping perceptions across borders and defying sovereign control.
  • Media acts as a powerful stage where political messages gain charisma and expand influence beyond states.
INSIGHT

Staging Shapes Political Meaning

  • Political staging in global communication creates powerful symbols to claim community and authority.
  • Leaders use visual and choreographic signals to influence both domestic and international perceptions of belonging and power.
INSIGHT

Bias in Understanding China’s Power

  • Dominant political theories like realism and liberalism bias international understanding of China.
  • More nuanced views drawing on Taoist or Confucian philosophies could enrich global perspectives on Chinese power.
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