Globalization research in new dimensions of public interdependence

Abstract

Public communication is emerging as one of the key domains of today’s advanced digital spheres. However, the methodological debate of ‘public spheres’ is mainly based on traditional ideas of normative legitimacy and deliberation. In order to develop nuanced approaches for the assessment of new dense globalized structures of communication, it is important to fully explore the conceptual framework of public discourse in an interdisciplinary context. Based on the review of ‘breaking points’ of traditional public sphere conceptions, this article suggests a new communicative dimension of ‘reflective interdependence’ as a model for public communication, unfolding in fine-lined trajectories connecting citizens across all societies.

Keywords:

• globalization
• public sphere
• public discourse
• civic identity
• deliberation
• digital spheres

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ingrid Volkmer

Ingrid Volkmer is an associate professor, Media & Comunications Program, University of Melbourne. She has published widely in the area of globalization theory and political ‘public’ communication. Her recent publication is The Global Public Sphere – Public Communication in the Age of Reflective Interdependence (Cambridge, Polity, 2014).