Spring 2021 (#17)

The 17th edition of Convergences explores the pivotal role of public communication in navigating the dual challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the digital transformation of democracy. This issue synthesizes high-level debates from London, Brussels, and Belgrade, highlighting the transition to a “fourth phase” of institutional communication that prioritizes strategic decision-making over mere information dissemination. A major focus is placed on the Conference on the Future of Europe, examining how participatory models and digital platforms can effectively bridge the gap between institutions and citizens. The publication also outlines robust frameworks for countering disinformation and building societal resilience through the “5D” communications model: Direct, Digital, Diverse, Data-driven, and counter-Disinformation. Finally, it addresses the long-term “wicked problems” of our time, offering innovative perspectives on climate resilience, values-based migration narratives, and the evolving landscape of digital diplomacy.

Key Topics:

1. The “Fourth Phase” of Public Communication: Reorganizing the profession to be a core part of the strategic decision-making process rather than just “packaging” information.
2. Conference on the Future of Europe: Utilizing the Joint Declaration to foster bottom-up citizen participation and rediscover the “soul” of the European project.
3. The 5D Communications Model: A strategic framework focusing on Direct, Digital, Diverse, Data-driven, and counter-Disinformation strategies for the 2020s.
4. Open Governance in Crisis: Building permanent trust through transparency, active listening, and inclusive public communication.
5. Countering the “Infodemic”: Practical toolkits like the RESIST model and collaborative efforts with entities like DebunkEU.org to neutralize disinformation.
6. Balanced Migration Narratives: Recommendations for using values-based messaging and human-centered stories to counter political polarization.
7. Digital Diplomacy Revolution: How social media and “Twitplomacy” are redefining foreign policy and direct outreach to global audiences.
8. Risk Literacy and Behavioral Science: Applying cognitive psychology to improve public decision-making and develop a “positive error culture” in government.
9. Climate Resilience through Community: The Democratic Climate Model for involving citizens in sustainable urban transitions and local policy-making.
10. Reputation and Communicative Leadership: Measuring global corporate and institutional reputation dimensions to build credibility in a disruptive world.