Understanding Movement Parties Through their Communication

Movement parties have gained ground in many countries, thanks to their communication. This edited book examines the role of communication in their rise and the issues surrounding it. It highlights their sensitivity to neglected issues, commitment to renewing links with marginalized social groups, and ambition to overhaul the party organization and political system. However, a mismatch between a participation-oriented rhetoric and concrete democratic practices is revealed, drawing attention to disconnections between a professed need for more immediate and greater participation and organizational practices and communication.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In numerous countries, movement parties have exerted significant influence over sizable portions of the electorate. Contributions to this edited volume explore the role of movement parties in democratic politics by examining their communication strategies. By reviewing evidence from various countries, including cases from Europe, Australia, and India, where movement parties have gained traction in politics, this book sheds light on the crucial role that communication has played in their ascent as well as the challenges associated with it. Movement parties have demonstrated a heightened sensitivity to issues that have been overlooked, a commitment to re-establishing connections with marginalized social groups through more direct and predominantly online communication channels, as well as an aspiration to revamp both the party organization and the political system. In pursuing these endeavors, they have signaled a willingness to disrupt and reimagine the political landscape. However, a rigorous analysis of their efforts and the communication environment in which they operate against concerns regarding the quality of democracy highlights a discrepancy between a rhetoric emphasizing participation and concrete democratic practices. Consequently, contributions highlight disconnections between the expressed need for more immediate and substantial involvement in movement party organization and policymaking, on the one hand, and the organizational practices and communication strategies of parties, leaders, and supporters, on the other. This book was originally published as a special issue of the journal Information, Communication & Society.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 179 x 253 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032439105