Signals and Power

Signals and Power is a multidisciplinary exploration of how communication shapes political life. Edited by Jeffrey Iverson, the volume brings together essays that examine the role of messages, media systems, and symbolic meaning in constructing public understanding, shaping civic identity, and influencing democratic resilience. Rather than treating communication as a secondary feature of politics, the book positions it as the central arena where legitimacy, emotion, and authority are negotiated.

Spanning topics from crisis messaging and digital activism to institutional voice and narrative strategy, Signals and Power offers readers a set of interpretive lenses for understanding the dynamics of political meaning. It highlights how signals — crafted, amplified, and interpreted — define the contours of public life and reveal the tensions between persuasion, trust, and power. Designed for scholars, students, and engaged readers, the book invites a deeper look at the communicative forces that shape our shared political experience.