Foundations of Global Communication

Kai Hafez is a Chair Professor of International and Comparative Media and Communication Studies at the University of Erfurt, Germany. His research specializations are global and political communication, media and democracy and Islamic–Western relations. He is the author of The Myth of Media Globalizationa and The Political Dimensions of Foreign Reporting (2 vols, in German), the editor of Arab Media – Power and Weakness, Mass Media, Politics and Society in the Middle East, Islam and the West in the Mass Media: Fragmented Images in a Globalizing World, Media Ethics in the Dialogue of Cultures: Journalistic Self-Regulation in Europe, the Arab World, and Muslim Asia and the co-editor of Media and Transformation in Germany and Indonesia: Asymmetrical Comparisons and Perspectives.Anne Grüne is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Erfurt, Germany. Her research specializations are globalization and social communication, comparative communication cultures and global popular culture. She is the author of Formatted World Culture? On the Theory and Practice of Global Entertainment Television (in German) and co-editor of Media and Transformation in Germany and Indonesia: Asymmetrical Comparisons and Perspectives.

• Introduction 1. Theory of global communication 2. Mass media and global public sphere 3. Politics: the state’s global communication 4. (The) Economy: global corporate communication 5. Civil society: global movement communication 6. Large communities: global online communication 7. Small groups: global lifeworldly communication I 8. (The) Individual: global lifeworldly communication II 9. Interdependencies of systems and lifeworlds Conclusion and future prospects

In this breakthrough investigation, Kai Hafez and Anne Grüne place globalization, one of the most popular keywords of our times, under renewed critical scrutiny. In a powerful conceptual language, they develop an original account of the asymmetries and tensions of our interconnected world and offer a novel understanding of how its various communicative actors and their systemic relations, at once, bind us together and keep up apart. The outcome is a compelling narrative that sheds light on some of the most urgent challenges of our time, including the rise of global fundamentalisms and illiberal populisms. A must-read.Prof. Lilie Chouliaraki, London School of Economics and Political ScienceThis is a wide-ranging, sophisticated yet critical discussion of the globalization of communication. Telescoping from the systemic to the individual, and encompassing politics, commercial networks and media systems, the book provides a multi-faceted assessment of the potential and limitations of global communications.Prof. Herman Wasserman, University of Cape Town, South AfricaHafez and Gruene’s book offers much needed insight into the challenges of today’s diversity of globalized interconnections. It is an excellent source for scholars and students alike when aiming to assess globalized communication in its concrete current formations. Through combining conceptual debates and empirical insights, the book is a key read to understand the multifacted interactions of our digital world. Prof. Ingrid Volkmer, University of Melbourne, Australia„Von der Erforschung vielschichtiger Interdependenzen (...) bis zur nötigen Verantwortung der Global Player ist hier anspruchsvoll nachzulesen. M.E. alternativlos" Annette Rugen, ekz.bibliotheksservice (https://www.ekz-group.com)Translation:"The deep structure (of the handbook) enables users targeted entries. Readers receive complex and sophisticated information about multi-layered interdependencies (nation state vs. transnationalization, global elites vs. local majorities, role of the media) and the relevant responsibilty of global players. There is not alternative to this book."Annette Rugen, ekz.bibliotheksservice (https://www.ekz-group.com)„Hafez und Grüne gelingt es mit ihrem Handbuch, die Kommunikationstheorie prominent zu platzieren. (...) (Sie) tragen zu einer soliden Fundierung und fruchtbaren Diskussion zur Globalisierungsdebatte aus kommunikationswissenschaftlicher Sicht bei. (...) Nehmen Sie dieses Handbuch auch wirklich physisch oder virtuell „in die Hand". Das Lesen ist ein Gewinn."Prof. Dr. Thomas Herdin, Univ. of Salzburg, Publizistik 2021Translation:"Hafez und Grüne successfully and prominently position communication theory in the globalization debate. (...) They contribute to a solid foundation and fruitful discussion of globalization from the perspective of communication studies. (...) Make sure that you take this handbook really "into your hands". You will definitely profit from reading it." (own translation)Prof. Dr. Thomas Herdin, Univ. of Salzburg, Publizistik 2021This extremely useful and timely translation of the original German publication by Hafez and Grüne is a great resource for students and researchers alike, as it deeply enriches – both theoretically and methodologically – the burgeoning literature on global communication’. Prof. Daya Thussu, Baptist University, Hong Kong