News

New Book Explores Risk and Crisis Communication in a Changing Europe

Ilmenau/Oslo/Cologne/Milano, 20.06.2024 – As Europe grapples with a multitude of crises, a timely and comprehensive volume has now been published by Routledge to examine the intricacies of risk and crisis communication across the continent.

Titled "Risk and Crisis Communication in a Changing Europe," this innovative book offers an international and cross-disciplinary examination of how theory and practice are evolving amidst unprecedented challenges. Andreas Schwarz, co-director of the International Research Group on Crisis and Risk Communication at Technische Universität Ilmenau, is one of the editors in addition to leading European risk and crisis communication scholars Audra Diers-Lawson (Kristiania University College, Oslo), Florian Meissner (Macromedia University of Applied Sciences, Cologne), and Silvia Ravazzani (IULM University, Milano). The editors are past and present chairs of the Risk and Crisis Communication Section of the European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA) and will hold a reception at ECREA’s annual convention in Ljubeljana in September.

Europe is currently experiencing a period of significant flux, characterized by the amplification of the refugee crisis, Brexit, increasing terrorist attacks, a heightened awareness of the climate crisis, and the global COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, a team of international experts delves deep into these developments, providing both theoretical insights and practical strategies for effective risk and crisis communication.

The book meticulously draws connections between various factors such as culture, digital technology, identity, public health, politics, and industry in the context of risk and crisis communication. By doing so, it offers a rich tapestry of perspectives from across Europe, illuminating the complex interplay between these elements and their impact on communication strategies during crises.

Key Highlights include:

  • International and Cross-Disciplinary Approach: The book brings together a diverse group of scholars and practitioners from multiple disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive examination of risk and crisis communication.
  • Timely Contextualization: Analysis is firmly rooted in the contemporary issues Europe is facing, making the book highly relevant to current and emerging challenges.
  • Practical Insights: Alongside theoretical explorations, the book provides actionable strategies and frameworks for practitioners in the field.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Contributions from experts across from Southern, Central, Northern, and Eastern Europe offer a wide range of viewpoints, enhancing the depth and cross-cultural diversity of the analysis.

"Risk and Crisis Communication in a Changing Europe" is poised to become an essential resource for scholars, students, and practitioners interested in understanding and navigating the complex landscape of risk and crisis communication in today's Europe.

For more information, check the publisher’s website or contact:

Dr. Andreas Schwarz

Fachgebiet Public Relations & Technikkommunikation

Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany

Email: andreas.schwarz@tu-ilmenau

Publisher’s website: https://www.routledge.com/Risk-and-Crisis-Communication-in-Europe-Towards-Integrating-Theory-and-Practice-in-Unstable-and-Turbulent-Times/Diers-Lawson-Schwarz-Meissner-Ravazzani/p/book/9781032437132

   

Research

We research various structural, content-related and social dimensions of strategic communication, including in the context of technology-oriented organizations. Our focus is on public relations & organizational communication, risk and crisis communication, communication with and about technologies, and international strategic communication.

ResearchTU Ilmenau
TeachingTU Ilmenau

Teaching

In the area of teaching, we deal as a field of expertise with the areas of public relations, crisis communication, international communication, communicator research as well as media change and social media.

PublicationsiStockphoto
  • Schwarz, A., Seeger, M., & Auer, C. (Eds.). (2016). Handbook of international crisis communication research. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
    Schwarz, A., Schleicher, K., Srugies, A., & Rothenberger, L. (2017). Crisis communication of youth welfare offices in Germany: Findings on media coverage and strategic communication especially in the context of severe cases of child welfare endangerment. Ilmenau: Ilmenau University Press. 
    Schwarz, A. (2010). Crisis PR from a stakeholder perspective: The influence of attributions of cause and responsibility on organizational reputation. Wiesbaden: VS Verl. for the Social Sciences.

The research group for Public Relations and Communication of Technology has been led on an interim basis since 04/2023 by Prof. Dr. Martin Löffelholz. The team consists of Dr. Andreas SchwarzFrancis Alpers andElisabeth U. Wagner-Olfermann. Melanie Waltinger currently supports as team assistant.

 
TeamAnLi Fotografie