Introduction: Political communication, governance and rhetoric in times of crisis.

Abstract

The introductory chapter firstly introduces theories and models from the fields of crisis communication, political communication and political psychology in order to develop an analytical framework for the overall volume. Secondly, the chapter focuses on the phases of a crisis, drawing on the Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants guidelines we link this to the models to develop an ideal world scenario for political communication strategy. Cumulatively, the chapter therefore offers a clear framework for understanding how crises can be managed and their worst effects mitigated.