Work

Fear-based self-legitimation in the institutional climate change discourse: Case study of the European Parliament’s online communication

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The article offers fresh insights on the intricate interplay between self-legitimation and fear in the climate change institutional discourse by providing nuanced exploration of the specific ways in which the European Parliament exploited fear-based appeals in its online digital communication on climate change action during its ninth term, between 2019 and 2024. It draws on discursive institutionalism and fear appeals theory and adopts a multi-method research approach, combining qualitative content analysis and critical discourse analysis. The article reveals a substantial reliance on fear in the assembly’s self-legitimation discourse and addresses the inherently paradoxical nature of the nexus between self-legitimation and fear.

Source: Parliamentary Affairs

DOI: 10.1093/pa/gsaf039

Author: Monika Brusenbauch Meislová

Institutions: Aston University, Masaryk University

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Communication and Perception

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,468