The Journal Public Sciences & Policies opens a new call for articles for a special edition on Strategic Communication & Civic Dynamics.

In the perspective of many sociologists, including Bauman (2000), contemporary society – also called postmodern – is seen as more dynamic and volatile, where human relations are less permanent and no longer guided by ethical standards of modernity. The contingency of today’s society fosters the emergence of new organizational networks and social movements based on increasing citizen participation. In this context, dominant and marginalized groups use strategic communication in order to gain voice and legitimacy in public spheres. Sustaining civic engagement, strategic communication can be used by activist movements to gain power balance and challenge dominant groups.

This special issue looks for manuscripts that study and reflect on:

1. Various roles that strategic communication can play in enabling societal change;
2. Strategic communication for democracy building and development;
3. Interaction of communication technologies and tools, and civic dynamics;
4. Civic participation practices and their characteristics in the context of public and corporate diplomacy;
5. Civic movements’ aims and enactment, including their “dark side” (case studies are welcomed);
6. The rhetoric of civic movements (case studies are welcomed).

Guest editors

• Sónia Pedro Sebastião (CAPP/ISCSP/Universidade de Lisboa).
• Dejan Verčič (University of Ljubljana).

Accepted texts

Original, empirical research papers and essays.

Deadlines

• 30 April: deadline for the submission of a structured abstract (purpose, method, findings, implications, main contribution) with up to 250 words, in Portuguese or/and English.
• 31 May: deadline for decisions over submitted abstracts.
• 05 September: deadline for the submission of the complete paper (written in Portuguese or English).

Please add the subject Special Issue on Strategic Communication & Civic Dynamics in the subject line. Submitted articles will go through a double-blind peer-review process. If the article is accepted, authors will have to provide an English version of the paper. The Centre for Public Administration and Public Policies will provide text review services (if needed).

Information for authors

1. Articles must be written in Portuguese or English. If the article is accepted, an English version will have to be submitted. Text clarity and quality will be essential.
2. Articles must include an abstract up to 250 words, in Portuguese and a second one in English. Three to five keywords must be included with each abstract.
3. Articles length: 5.000 to 7500 words.
4. Articles must be submitted using APA style norms (6th edition).
5. Authors must submit two files in .doc, .docx or .rtf formats: 1) cover letter with title, abstract, keywords, authors bio notes (up to 200 words), institutional affiliation and contacts (please provide corresponding author indication); and 2) main paper without authors information to assure blind review.
6. Both files must be sent as email attachment in .doc, .docx or .rtf formats to the following e-mail cappedicoes@iscsp.ulisboa.pt.

For any other information,
please contact cappedicoes@iscsp.ulisboa.pt