Click for detailed video lecture

Click here
Click here
Click here
SYLLABUS

• Meaning, Nature and Scope

• Evolution and Transformation

Lecture & notes Click here Click here

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS (PYQ)
Que-1) Globalisation has opened up new channels for political
communication. Discuss. (PYQ- 2023)

Ans-) Globalisation has enabled more dispersed and multi-directional political

communication, but it also brings some challenges around spread of
misinformation, ensuring inclusiveness, and translating global debates into local
action. There are several ways in which globalisation has opened up new channels
of political communication:

1)
It is now much easier for people across the globe to communicate with each other,
access information, and share news and perspectives on political issues. This allows
alternative voices and opinions to emerge, not just from official government
channels. Social media played important role in this.

2)
Global connectivity helps political activists and movements coordinate across
borders. They can share strategies, build solidarity, and in some cases even jointly
protest or campaign on issues that transcend national boundaries. The global
Occupy movement is one example of this.

3)
Exposure to foreign media and political commentators provides people with
alternative perspectives on domestic politics. This can broaden people's minds and
challenge insular or parochial ways of thinking about policy issues.

4)
There is an opportunity for a more global debate on issues of global governance,
including the role and power of institutions like the UN, World Bank, IMF, etc.
However, these debates often remain rather elites-driven and do not sufficiently
incorporate the perspectives of ordinary citizens, especially from developing
countries.
Que-2 ) How effective have been the policies as means of political
communication? Discuss. (PYQ- 2023)

Ans-) Policies can be an effective means of political communication when

used strategically. Politicians use policies to communicate their agenda,
values, and priorities to the public. Here are some key ponits regarding it-

Policies are a key tool for governments to shape public opinion on important issues.
By highlighting certain issues in policy proposals, politicians can raise awareness
and mobilize public support for particular causes. For example, policies promoting
environmental protection can help create a sense of urgency around climate change
and encourage citizens to take action.

Policy communication can also influence voter behavior. When voters perceive a
particular policy as important, they may be more likely to vote for a candidate who
supports it. However, the impact of policy communication on voter behavior is
complex and can depend on factors such as the salience of the issue and the
credibility of the messenger

This includes the importance of clear and concise language when communicating
policy proposals to the public. Policies that are too complex or technical may be
difficult for the public to understand, and may fail to generate the support or interest
needed to be effective as a means of political communication.

Policies that address issues that are important to the public, such as healthcare,
education, or the economy, are more likely to resonate with voters and generate
support for the politician proposing them.

Politicians with a track record of delivering on their promises, or with a reputation

for expertise in a particular policy area, may be more trusted by the public when
proposing new policies.
Que-3) Define Political communication. Explain its nature and
significnace in Contemporary times. (PYQ- 2023)

Ans-)

It is the process by which individuals and groups convey information and influence
each other's attitudes and behaviors with respect to politics and government. It is the
exchange of information between politicians, political organizations, and the public.
It encompasses various forms of communication, including speeches, debates,
advertisements, social media, and news coverage.
In a democratic society, political communication plays a crucial role in informing
citizens about their government and facilitating public participation in the political
process.

Political communication is characterized by its diversity, dependency, contested and

strategic nature. It involves a wide range of actors, channels, and messages, and is
often used to achieve specific goals, such as mobilizing support or shaping public
opinion.

Political actors use communication as a tool to achieve their goals, whether that is
to mobilize support for their policies, to win elections, improving the image of a
leader, or to shape public opinion. Politicians and political parties carefully craft
their messages to maximize their appeal.

Political communication makes liberal use of emotional language, story, and

appeals to create a connection with the audience. It aims to inspire and galvanize as
much as to inform. Facts and evidence are selected and presented in a way that is
persuasive. Counter arguments are often ignored or downplayed
Another important aspect of political communication is its reliance on
symbols and rhetoric. Political actors use language, images, and symbols to
create meaning and shape public perceptions of political issues and candidates. This
can include the use of slogans, logos, and other visual cues that are designed to
evoke emotional responses and create a sense of identification with a particular
political cause or candidate.

The study of political communication is important for understanding how political

actors communicate with citizens, how citizens form opinions and make decisions,
and how political systems function as a whole.
The significance of Political communication are:

Political communication is essential for

informing the public about political issues, policies, and events. It helps to educate
citizens about their government and how it operates, as well as the political choices
and consequences they face.

Political communication can also shape

public opinion by influencing how people perceive political issues and candidates.
Political messages can be crafted to appeal to certain values or emotions, and can be
used to sway public opinion in a particular direction.

Political communication can

promote democratic participation by providing citizens with information and
encouraging them to engage in the political process. It can help to build trust in
government and increase civic engagement.

Political communication can also help to hold

elected officials accountable by providing a platform for citizens to voice their
concerns and opinions. This can help to ensure that elected officials are responsive
to the needs and concerns of their constituents.
Que-4 ) What are the main channels of Political Communication in
the Modern era?

Ans-) Modern political communication refers to the various forms of

modern communication methods used by political actors to shape public opinion,
influence policy decisions, and mobilize support. One of the key features of modern
political communication is the use of multiple channels to reach different audiences.
Some of them are given below-

The media play a crucial role in political communication, as they are often the
primary channel through which citizens receive information about politics and
government. This includes both traditional media, such as newspapers and
television, as well as digital media, such as social media platforms.

Social media has had a significant impact on political communication, as it has

enabled politicians and citizens to communicate with each other in new ways. This
includes the use of social media for political campaigns, as well as the use of social
media for citizen journalism and political activism.

The use of data and analytics has become increasingly important in political
communication, as it allows political actors to target specific groups of voters and
tailor their messages accordingly. This includes the use of data mining, predictive
analytics, and microtargeting.

Citizen journalism, or the practice of non-professional journalists reporting on news

and events, has become an important part of political communication in the digital
age. This includes the use of social media platforms, blogs, and other online forums
to report on political news and events.
Que-5) Comment upon the Challenges and Controversies related to
political communication?

Ans-) Political communication is a critical component of modern politics,

but it is not without its challenges and controversies. Some of the key
challenges and controversies related to political communication include:

In recent years, the spread of misinformation and fake news has become a major
challenge in political communication. The ease of circulating false information
online and the difficulty in verifying the accuracy of news sources has made it
easier for political actors to manipulate public opinion.

Political communication also raises ethical and transparency concerns, particularly

around issues such as the use of campaign funds and the influence of special
interest groups. Transparency in political communication is essential for
maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of democratic processes.

The use of personal data in political communication has raised privacy concerns,
particularly in the context of social media. The Cambridge Analytica scandal, for
example, highlighted the potential for political actors to use personal data to target
and influence voters.

Political communication raises important questions around free speech and the
limits of political discourse. While it is important to protect free speech, it is also
essential to ensure that political communication does not promote hate speech or
undermine democratic processes.

Lecture & notes Click here Click here