Political communication: theoretical background

Abstract

When starting a political science course, a student often doubts – What should I focus on? On political history or philosophy? Is it on Constitutional law? And maybe on the analysis of data from sociological surveys? Our answer is unambiguous – the main forces should be devoted to the study of political communication, without forgetting, of course, other courses. Because political communication is the most important thing in politics. Political communication is a powerful driver of politics. No matter how we treat it: either as a higher form of activity aimed at ensuring the public good, or as an activity of social actors to obtain, maintain and use state power. Political communication determines the course of political processes and is the main means of functioning of political institutions. According to the catchphrase of Karl Deutsch, one of the most important experts in the field of political science, political communication is the nerve of government. Political communication determines the skill of political leaders, the viability of political elites, the effectiveness of political parties and the popularity of public organizations. And electoral technologies, PR, political management and marketing are, in fact, integral parts of political communication.