From Airwaves to Newsfeed: Populism and Emerging Media Technologies

Abstract

As can be seen in Argentina, Cuba, and Venezuela, populists are often effective in capturing the hearts of the people of the Americas. Such leaders have shaped the histories of these countries in dynamic ways, continually highlighting the unifying power that a passionate orator can have when paired with citizens seeking social change. With this in mind, there is a clear relationship between the populist and his followers as well as an ever-present need for the populist to maintain his access to the people. Emerging technology has been relied upon for this reason. This thesis project demonstrates that populists such as Juan Perón, Fidel Castro, and Hugo Chávez have used and dominated their country's radio, television, or Internet media to control their message to the people.