The annual IPPC conference brings together some of the most influential voices within the field of public and political communication to discuss and address contemporary challenges. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Truth, Spin and Authoritarianism in the Year of Democracy’.
With more than half the world’s population heading to the polls, many are labelling 2024 the year of democracy. More than 2 billion citizens will take part in elections across 50 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Russia, Mexico, Taiwan, South Africa, the United States and Britain. This celebration of mass suffrage, however, is taking place against a backdrop of rising authoritarianism and nativism, alongside declining levels of trust in democratic institutions and a wider, more pervasive concern over public and political truth claims. Indeed, as citizens prepare to engage in the biggest electoral year in history, a host of actors (from traditional campaign managers, press secretaries and spin doctors, to social media influencers, troll armies, and generative AI systems) are themselves lining up to shape and influence perceptions. Within this context, charities, NGOs and grassroots activists also have to find new, innovative ways of reaching out to distracted or overwhelmed audiences in an attempt to convince them that their “truth” is different to the many alternative truths that exist out there.
Take a look at the full itinerary which includes guest lectures, two keynotes and a film screening: IPPC Conference Schedule.
