The Power of Political Storytelling | How Narratives Shape Public Opinion, Identity, and Power скачать в хорошем качестве

The Power of Political Storytelling | How Narratives Shape Public Opinion, Identity, and Power

This in-depth research by Political Vantage investigates the role of political narratives as foundational instruments in the construction of public belief, identity formation, and the legitimation of power. Rather than treating storytelling as a peripheral communication strategy, the study situates it at the core of political meaning-making—examining how narratives organize perception, define moral boundaries, and structure the terms of public debate. Drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship from political theory, cognitive psychology, and media studies, this project analyzes the mechanisms by which narratives mobilize affect, normalize hierarchies, and mediate both democratic contestation and authoritarian control. Case studies range from international strategic narratives to grassroots identity movements, demonstrating how competing story-worlds generate political legitimacy, justify intervention, and entrench ideological worldviews. The research is informed by Walter Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm, which asserts that humans are primarily storytellers who assess information based on narrative coherence and fidelity rather than rationalist logic (Fisher, 1984). It also incorporates George Lakoff’s theory of metaphor and moral frames (Lakoff, 2002), Daniel Kahneman’s insights on cognitive heuristics and intuitive judgment (Kahneman, 2011), Drew Westen’s work on affective political reasoning (Westen, 2007), and Robert Entman’s framework for media framing and agenda-setting (Entman, 1993). By examining both the emancipatory and coercive functions of political storytelling, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of narrative pluralism as a democratic imperative—and highlights the ethical stakes of narrative control in the age of algorithmic media and global information warfare. Content: 1. Introduction: Why Political Storytelling Matters I. Explains why storytelling—not data or debate—is central to political persuasion. II. Frames the dual nature of narrative as both emancipatory and manipulative. III. Uses real-world examples to highlight how one event can carry conflicting moral frames. 2. What Is a Political Narrative? I. Defines political narrative as more than just messaging—it's meaning-making. II. Breaks down its key elements: characters, conflict, moral stakes. III. Introduces Walter Fisher’s narrative paradigm: we are story-driven beings. 3. How Political Narratives Persuade I. Describes how stories override statistics by resonating emotionally. II. Shows how narrative “transportation” and affective reasoning shape belief. III. Draws on theories from Kahneman, Westen, and Hovland on persuasion. 4. Constructing the Political Story I. Reveals how strategic actors build compelling stories using archetypes and moral contrast. II. Explains tools like metaphors (“war,” “swamp”) and narrative frameworks (e.g. FRAMES). III. Shows how storytelling tactics build consent—or resistance. 5. Media as Narrative Amplifier I. Describes how media ecosystems curate and magnify narratives. II. Explores the role of algorithms, virality, and engineered outrage. III. Analyzes how AI and behavioral data shape narratives in real time. 6. Narratives, Power, and the Moral Frontier I. Asks where storytelling becomes propaganda—and who gets to decide. II. Argues for narrative pluralism as essential to democracy. III. Explores “strategic narratives” in global politics as tools of soft power. IV. Ends with a provocation: which stories shape your worldview—and who benefits? #politicalscience #politicalphilosophy #politicaltheory #philosophy #philosopher 0:00 Introduction: Why Political Storytelling Matters 2:36 What Is a Political Narrative? 4:55 How Political Narratives Persuade 7:52 Constructing the Political Story 10:05 Media as Narrative Amplifier 14:13 Narratives, Power, and the Moral Frontier