Political Branding in Turbulent times

Book excerpt: Political uncertainty and instability characterise many regions around the world and, increasingly, can be observed in more established democracies. The COVID-19 pandemic, national and international tensions, and the proliferation of autocratic, chauvinist, and, at the most extreme, fascist forces around the world all contribute to turbulent political times. Such environments constitute tremendous challenges, but also opportunities for scholars to contribute to an understanding of processes in the political market, using the lens of political branding theories. Authors from various disciplinary backgrounds, including social psychology, marketing, and media and communications, provide commentaries and analyses of branding processes in different national contexts, all characterised by tensions and challenges. The topical and provocative content of the chapters, all focusing on recent political events and phenomena in the political arena, should appeal to researchers, branding practitioners, politicians, and members of the public seeking to deepen their understanding of current events and political branding concepts.