Digital Media Polarization and International Relations

Practice flashcards covering digital media polarization, propaganda techniques, communication theories, and the role of lying in international relations.

Public Sphere

Shared space where citizens debate public issues and form public opinion.

Polarization

Increasing ideological disagreement.

Fragmentation

Loss of a shared communicative space.

Selective Exposure

People choose information that confirms existing beliefs.

Algorithmic Amplification

Algorithms promote engaging and often polarizing content.

Affective Polarization

Political opponents become viewed as enemies rather than people with different opinions.

Echo Chamber

People mainly encounter opinions they already agree with.

Filter Bubble

Algorithms limit exposure to opposing viewpoints.

Habermas

Democracy depends on a shared public sphere and rational debate.

McLuhan

Media are extensions of humans that shape society.

Turkey Case Study

Shows how media control and digital polarization fragmented the public sphere after the 2016 coup attempt.

Democratic Resilience

Democracy's ability to withstand polarization and maintain trust.

Information Sovereignty

A state's ability to control information within its borders.

Transnational Communication Flows

Information spreads across borders through digital media.

Propaganda

Communication designed to shape opinions or behavior for a political purpose.

Persuasion

Changing attitudes without deception or coercion.

Transparent Propaganda

Source is openly identified.

Black Propaganda

Source is hidden or falsely identified.

Disinformation

False information spread intentionally.

Positive Propaganda

Encourages socially beneficial behavior.

Resonance

Message connects with existing beliefs and values.

Bryce Report

WWI British propaganda exaggerating German atrocities.

Committee on Public Information (CPI)

US propaganda agency during WWI.

Four Minute Men

Volunteers who gave short pro-war speeches.

AGITPROP

Soviet propaganda promoting communist ideology.

COMINFORM

Organization coordinating communist propaganda during the Cold War.

Joseph Goebbels

Nazi Minister of Propaganda.

Goebbels' Principles

Simplification, repetition, emotional appeal, scapegoating, censorship.

Assertion

Opinion presented as fact.

Bandwagon

Everyone is doing it.

Card Stacking

Only favorable facts are shown.

Glittering Generalities

Uses vague positive words.

False Dilemma

Only two choices are presented.

Lesser of Two Evils

Choose the less harmful option.

Name Calling

Uses negative labels against opponents.

Pinpointing the Enemy

Blames one person or group.

Plain Folk

Leader appears ordinary.

Testimonials

Uses respected people to support a message.

Transfer

Associates a message with respected symbols.

Agenda Setting

Media influence what people think about.

Framing

Media influence how people think about an issue.

Priming

Media influence how people evaluate political actors.

Spiral of Silence

People hide unpopular opinions.

Cultivation Theory

Media shape perceptions of reality through long-term exposure.

Soft Power

Influence through attraction and culture.

Hard Power

Influence through force or coercion.

Public Diplomacy

Influencing foreign publics through communication.

Globalization

Increasing global interconnectedness.

Public Opinion

Collective attitudes of citizens.

Democratic Legitimacy

Government authority based on public support.

John Mearsheimer

Leaders lie more to domestic audiences than foreign governments.

Lying

Knowingly communicating false information.

Concealment

Hiding important information.

Spinning

Presenting facts selectively.

Noble Lies

Lies told to protect national interests.