Legitimacy Politics: Elite Communication and Public Opinion in Global Governance

Elite communication shapes the popular legitimacy of international organizations, with populist leaders attacking them and mainstream politicians defending their importance. Lisa Dellmuth and Jonas Tallberg's book explores this topic, offering fresh insights into major issues such as the rise of populism, the power of communication, the backlash against global governance, and the relationship between citizens and elites.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Political elites, once ardent supporters of international cooperation, are now deeply divided over the merits of global governance. On one hand, populist leaders accuse international organizations of undermining national democracy, while mainstream politicians argue for their crucial role in addressing transboundary challenges. Lisa Dellmuth and Jonas Tallberg, drawing from fields such as international relations, comparative politics, and cognitive psychology, delve into the intricate dynamics of elite communication and its impact on the popular legitimacy of international organizations. Through novel theoretical frameworks, experimental methodologies, and comparative evidence, they demonstrate that elites wield significant influence in shaping how citizens perceive global governance. They also explore why certain elites and messages are more effective than others in influencing public opinion.

The book offers fresh insights into pressing contemporary issues, including the rise of populism, the power of communication, the backlash against global governance, and the complex relationship between citizens and elites. It will appeal to scholars and students of international organizations, as well as those engaged in experimental and survey research methods. By examining the role of elite communication in shaping public perceptions and attitudes toward international institutions, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics that shape global governance in the 21st century.

ISBN-13: 9781009222037