An Introduction to Political Communication explores the relationship between politics, the media and democracy in the UK, the USA and other contemporary societies. Brian McNair examines how politicians, trade unions, pressure groups, non-governmental organizations and terrorist organizations make use of the media. Separate chapters look at political media and their effects, the work of political advertising, marketing and public relations and the communication practices of organizations at all levels, from grassroots campaigning through to governments and international bodies.

Recent developments covered in the new edition include:

* the re-election of New Labour in 2001
* the changes in government information and communication policy introduced by the Blair administration since 1997
* the 2000 election of George W. Bush in the United States
* the NATO interventions in Kosovo and the former Yugoslavia
* the implications for international political communication of September 11
* the emergence of Al-Quaida and the war on terror.