Autumn 2023 (#19)
The 19th edition of Convergences documents a transformative year for the Club of Venice, exploring how public communication must evolve to meet unprecedented geopolitical, social, and technological “turbulences”. This issue introduces the concept of the “centaur communicator”—a professional who seamlessly integrates human empathy with advanced competencies in AI, blockchain, and data analytics to build resilient democratic narratives. Strategic debates from London to Nicosia address the critical need for inter-institutional solidarity in countering hybrid threats and Russian disinformation, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine. The publication also provides deep insights into rebalancing migration narratives and relaunching the EU enlargement process, emphasizing the role of communication in managing complex public expectations. Finally, it tackles the strategic relationship between governments and private communication agencies, advocating for a “shared culture” based on transparency, ethics, and professional excellence.
Key Topics:
- The “Centaur Communicator”: A shift toward a new professional profile requiring a mix of managerial, technological, and sociological skills.
- Communicating Geopolitical Challenges: Addressing the war in Ukraine and its impact on European stability and information strategies.
- Global Response to Hybrid Threats: Collaborative efforts to neutralize sophisticated digital propaganda and protect democratic structures.
- The AI Revolution: Investigating the opportunities and ethical challenges of integrating Artificial Intelligence into public service communication.
- Migration as a Global Challenge: Shifting migration narratives toward evidence-based dialogue and cross-border partnerships.
- EU Enlargement & Macro-Regional Strategies: Relaunching the communication agenda to better engage citizens in candidate and member states.
- Agencies – Friend or Foe?: Analyzing the complex relationship between public authorities and private advertising/PR firms.
- Blockchain for Trust: Utilizing decentralized technologies to enhance the transparency and authenticity of government messaging.
- Building Societal Resilience: Strategic frameworks for risk literacy and preparing populations for long-term “wicked problems”.
- 2024 European Elections: Synergies and inter-institutional campaigns designed to boost democratic participation and institutional trust.
