Counterpublics and the State (Communication Studies)

Explores antagonistic encounters between people, both individuals and groups, and governments.

In the form of demonstrations, social movements, guerrilla warfare, and internet "hacktivism," political dissidents or "counterpublics" challenge the state and assert themselves upon the public stage. At stake in such engagements are profound issues of political and economic redistribution, individual and collective rights, political legitimacy, social stability, and identity. This book explores encounters between marginalized people and states to better understand the contours of social controversy and social transformation borne from conflict.

Robert Asen is Assistant Professor of Communication Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Daniel C. Brouwer is Assistant Professor of Human Communication at Arizona State University.