Political Campaigning and Strategic Communication

This strategic use of communication in political campaigns and how it adapts to the rapidly changing media environment is a widely researched area of political communication. Social media and digital platforms have become indispensable tools for political actors to craft messages, build public personas, and influence voter behavior. This panel will give further viewpoints on this broad topic; it examines how leaders and parties use these platforms to engage diverse audiences, often navigating the fine line between persuasion and authenticity. Emotional and cognitive responses elicited by political messaging are analyzed to uncover the mechanisms behind voter alignment and trust. The session also explores how traditional methods of political communication have evolved alongside technological innovations, offering comparative insights across historical and cultural contexts. The panel highlights the techniques used to shape public discourse, mobilize support, and steer election outcomes through examples from various political systems. This session provides an in-depth look at how communication strategies influence political narratives and enhance the legitimacy of political actors.