Strategic Communication in a New Globalization Era
Strategic Communication refers to communication initiatives by a political entity (a state actor or non-state actor working on behalf of a state) to achieve predefined goals that advance broad national interests in times of war and peace. In this course, we undertake breaking news and real-time analysis case studies of issues. The course instructor combines decades- long professional experience in training government spokespeople, along with scholarly analysis of global messaging and media from across different political economy systems, to include great power and emergent power players, including China, Japan, Russia, and the United States.
The overall course goal is to develop communication competencies associated with projecting influence using soft and smart power to shape popular opinion, leader behavior, and the new international order. We address what state actors are saying to the world, how non-state actors in the world are responding, and how that plays into hawkish and dovish discourses worldwide. Can global misperceptions be overcome or just dampened? We will explore theories and methods of trust-building to develop strategies and tactics of mutual understanding that contribute to better international relations regionally and globally. Students will be introduced to classic and contemporary readings on strategic communication and influence, including key terms, and influence campaign strategy trends
and prospects.