Digital Populism and the Use of Neo-Propaganda and Fake News

As populism grows across global democracies, the integration of new technologies has significantly amplified the use of propaganda techniques and the spread of fake news. Tools like social media and artificial intelligence (AI) make digital technologies privileged vehicles for populist communication. Due to the use of fallacies, propaganda is confused with fake news, though these techniques are broader and based on political strategies to manipulate public opinion. With the advent of new technologies and the ever-increasing incorporation of AI into social life, political parties are facing a form of two-way communication without intermediaries, meaning they can directly reach and influence the public with reduced costs. Understanding the social impact of digital propaganda may help foster political literacy among civil society. Digital Populism and the Use of Neo-Propaganda and Fake News explores various populist parties, aiming to identify and understand their use of propaganda and fake news. It provides a comprehensive, global vision of populism in different nations and examines the communication strategies based on propaganda and disinformation. Covering topics such as social media, computational propaganda, and political rhetoric, this book is an excellent resource for political analysts, journalists, sociologists, government officials, policymakers, researchers, academicians, and more.

Andreia Teles Vieira holds a Ph.D. in Digital Media from NOVA FCSH under the UT Austin|Portugal international program. Her dissertation focused on strategies for combining e-learning and serious games. She also has a degree in Communication Sciences and a master’s degree in e-Learning Systems Management from FCSH Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Her thesis explored the creation of digital and interactive content for education. Research interests include digital media, e-Learning, multimedia content creation, serious games, disinformation, and social networks. Teaching experience at NOVA FCSH and ISTEC. Professional career in research, training, and consultancy as a copywriter, digital project coordinator/manager, social media manager, and e-learning consultant. Assistant professor at ISTEC since 2020 in the field of multimedia, digital education, and ICT. University lecturer from 2009 to 2018 at NOVA University. And visiting professor from 2018 to 2023 in Digital Media and Communication. Advised and co-supervised several master's theses. Supervised and co-supervised doctoral theses in the areas of multimedia communication, digital education, and ICT. Also supervised undergraduate curricular internships. Participate in various research projects. Active participation in academic or scientific research in various fields.

Ana Filipa Joaquim has a master’s degree in economics and accounting teaching at the Institute of Education, the University of Lisbon, and is a marketing graduate of the IADE. Ana Filipa Joaquim is currently a research associate at the FCSH Nova research center, where she is conducting her doctoral thesis on the disinformation-themed strategic communication of populist parties, with a focus on propaganda. Today, Ana Filipa Joaquim is not just a professor at ISLA SANTARÉM in marketing, communication, and entrepreneurship, but also a postgraduate coordinator for branding, management, and project management, inspiring and guiding the next generation of professionals. With a strong commitment to academic and scientific research, Ana Filipa Joaquim is not just a passive observer but an active participant in several national and international research projects, contributing to a variety of areas.

Alexandre Duarte holds a PhD in Communication Sciences from the University of Minho, a Master's degree in Communication & Image, and a Bachelor's in Marketing & Advertising by IADE, Alexandre Duarte is now a Professor at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, invited Professor at Universidade CATÓLICA Portuguesa (where Coordinates the Post-Graduation Courses in Advertising & Creativity and Service Design), and integrated researcher of ICNOVA. Throughout his career, Alexandre had the opportunity to work for several multinational advertising agencies in Portugal and Brazil, such as TBWA, Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy, W/Portugal, W/Brazil, Lowe & Partners, or Brandia Central as a Senior Creative Copywriter. Between 2013 and 2016, he served as CEO of Restart, an Institute of Arts and Creativity. With a regular presence in both academic and professional events, Alexandre was also a Tutor of the EUROBEST Young Marketers Academy between 2012 and 2014, a Board Member of EDCOM (European Institute for Commercial Communications Education) between 2016 and 2020, a counselor of SUPERBRANDS in 2021, and member of the Research Committee of EDCOM between 2022 and 2024. He is the co-author of 3 books and more than 50 articles and chapters published in several international journals, including Q1. In 2024, he was elected Coordinator of the Advertising Working Group of SOPCOM (Portuguese Association of Communication Sciences).