Foundations of Global Communication

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.

This 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.

Hafez 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.

"Von der Erforschung vielschichtiger Interdependenzen (. . .) bis zur nötigen Verantwortung der Global Player ist hier anspruchsvoll nachzulesen. M. E. alternativlos"

"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."

"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."

"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)

This 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'.