2014

The Elements of Political Persuasion: Content, Charisma and Cue

Reprint No. 2014:11

Author(s): Torun Dewan, Macartan Humphreys and Daniel RubensonYear: 2014 Title: Economic Journal Volume (No.): 124 (574) Pages: F257–F292
Online article (restrictions may apply)

Political campaigns employ complex strategies to persuade voters to support them. We analyse the contributions of elements of these strategies using data from a field experiment that randomly assigned canvassers to districts, as well as messaging and endorsement conditions. We find evidence for a strong overall campaign effect and show effects for both message-based and endorsement-based campaigns. However, we find little evidence that canvassers varied according to their persuasive ability or that endorser identity matters. Overall the results suggest a surprisingly muted role for idiosyncratic features of prospective persuaders.

Reference:
Dewan, Torun, Macartan Humphreys and Daniel Rubenson (2014), "The Elements of Political Persuasion: Content, Charisma and Cue". Economic Journal 124(574), F257–F292.

Interdisciplinary European Studies

The European Union and the Return of the Nation State

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This book explores the complex and ever-changing relationship between the European Union and its member states. The recent surge in tension in this relationship has been prompted by the actions of some member state governments as they question fundamental EU values and principles and refuse to implement common decisions seemingly on the basis of narrowly defined national interests.

About the book

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