Legitimacy Politics
Elite Communication and Public Opinion in Global Governance

Bridging international relations, comparative politics, and cognitive psychology, this book explores how elites shape the popular legitimacy of international organizations.

Lisa Dellmuth (Author), Jonas Tallberg (Author)

9781009222037, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 January 2023

250 pages, 44 b/w illus. 9 tables
23.5 x 15.8 x 2 cm, 0.54 kg

'This impressive study disentangles the complex ways in which political elites shape public perceptions of the virtues and pitfalls of … global institutions.' G. John Ikenberry, Foreign Affairs

Once staunch advocates of international cooperation, political elites are increasingly divided over the merits of global governance. Populist leaders attack international organizations for undermining national democracy, while mainstream politicians defend their importance for solving transboundary problems. Bridging international relations, comparative politics, and cognitive psychology, Lisa Dellmuth and Jonas Tallberg explore whether, when, and why elite communication shapes the popular legitimacy of international organizations. Based on novel theory, experimental methods, and comparative evidence, they show that elites are influential in shaping how citizens perceive global governance and explain why some elites and messages are more effective than others. The book offers fresh insights into major issues of our day, such as the rise of populism, the power of communication, the backlash against global governance, and the relationship between citizens and elites. It will be of interest to scholars and students of international organisations, and experimental and survey research methods.

Introduction: 1. Legitimacy and communication in global governance
2. A Theory of elite influence and popular legitimacy
3. Communication by global elites
4. Communication by domestic elites
5. Communication about procedure and performance
6. Communication about authority and purpose
7. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS], Comparative politics [JPB], Research methods: general [GPS]