ABSTRACT
Decision-making and programmatic outcomes in the practice of public relations are inescapably affected by the interplay of political, economic, and social influences on organizations and their publics. Herein, we review the political and economic origins of public relations and fast forward to more contemporary views of the practice following the 2008 financial crisis. We further propose how a political economy view informs and has the potential to advance public relations’ role in PR4D, that is, Public Relations for Development. We argue public relations theories and practices have much to offer in addressing the inequalities, disruptions, and relationship building necessities generated by uneven levels of economic development around the globe. The widely held perception of prioritizing corporate interests in both public relations and development communication has led to a deeper rift between these two fields. We call for a concerted melding of the two in applications of global public relations practice.
