Recent events in world politics place us in a transformative moment. The war in Ukraine, the return of Taliban in Afghanistan, declining U.S. power, emerging markets in Africa, and the rise of Russia, China and India as global players, have shifted us to a new era of "multi-alignment" - where different countries and cultural communities pursue their own interests in contrast, and often in conflict, with established world orders. What is the role of new media technologies, global media networks and growth of local cultural industries in this time of radical change? How does media and culture impact power relations in international affairs? What are the new contexts and codes of conduct in international communication? This course is an inquiry into the role of media and culture as an instrument of power, and a vital site in the political life of states and societies - both at home and abroad. Major themes of study will include popular culture and political processes; cultural sovereignty; post/modernity; nationalism; and cultural rights. Theory will be connected to professional practice in terms of providing students with a vocabulary and analysis of the role and impact of cultural industries in contemporary international relations – and the possibilities therein. We will discuss and analyze different mediums, including television news, talk shows and entertainment programming, newspaper op-eds and political cartoons, blogs, mobile telephony, etc. The course will use audio-visual and print materials relevant to class discussions and assigned reading topics. Students are free to develop their individual interest in specific mediums within the scope of class readings, discussions and assignments.