Unveiling the Myth : Berlusconi's Legacy in Italian Media - Charisma, Populism, & the Erosion of Political Trust
(2024) MKVM13 20241Media and Communication Studies
Department of Communication and Media
- Abstract
- At the beginning of the summer of 2023, a staple figure of Italian culture and politics passed away after living in the public eye for three decades. Everybody in Italy had an opinion on Silvio Berlusconi, a man whose face was easily seen at least once a day on televisions, newspapers and gossip columns. News of his death circulated quickly, and journalists rushed to comment on his political career, his personality, his sex scandals and on his legacy. Who would take the sceptre of power? Would anyone be able to replace him on the cultural and political pedestal of the Bel Pease?
This thesis dives into the complex public persona of Silvio Berlusconi, unravelling the layers of charisma that marked his political career in order to... (More) - At the beginning of the summer of 2023, a staple figure of Italian culture and politics passed away after living in the public eye for three decades. Everybody in Italy had an opinion on Silvio Berlusconi, a man whose face was easily seen at least once a day on televisions, newspapers and gossip columns. News of his death circulated quickly, and journalists rushed to comment on his political career, his personality, his sex scandals and on his legacy. Who would take the sceptre of power? Would anyone be able to replace him on the cultural and political pedestal of the Bel Pease?
This thesis dives into the complex public persona of Silvio Berlusconi, unravelling the layers of charisma that marked his political career in order to understand his influence on Italian society.
Charisma, though often overlooked in contemporary political discourse, emerges as a central force shaping the rise and tenure of populist leaders. Berlusconi’s ascent to power, much like figures such as Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, was facilitated by his charismatic persona, “miracle making” promises, and strategic positioning within Italy's socio-political landscape. The study also points to the representational power wielded by charismatic politicians, whose wealth and success become a symbol of societal aspirations. Despite personal scandals and a noticeable divisive rhetoric, charismatic leaders like Berlusconi and Trump continue gathering support by embodying aspirational qualities that resonate with part of the population, transcending traditional political considerations.
Crucial to perpetuating charismatic populism is the role of the media, which serves as a tool to craft these types of leaders. In an era marked by media ubiquity, political leaders easily manipulate the narrative to cultivate an aura of charisma, effectively blurring the lines between rational and legitimate governance and performative spectacle. This mediated construction of charisma not only sustains populist leaders but also perpetuates a cult of personality that undermines traditional democratic norms.
The study places itself within the discourse of populist studies, drawing from Weber’s concept of charismatic authority to identify and understand figures like Berlusconi. By highlighting the dynamics of populist leadership, the research underscores the erosion of trust in democratic institutions, as charismatic leaders wield a dangerous influence that goes beyond conventional checks and balances.
Ultimately, charisma emerges as a pivotal lens through which to examine the connection between media, populism, and democratic trust. By unravelling the complexities of Berlusconi's persona and leadership, the thesis provides insights into the implications of charismatic populism on democratic governance and societal cohesion. As politics continue to evolve within the landscape of mediated spectacle, understanding the allure and impact of charismatic leadership is essential for safeguarding democratic principles and institutions. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9151408
- author
- Petizzi, Sara LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- MKVM13 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- charisma, populism, Berlusconi, democracy
- language
- English
- id
- 9151408
- date added to LUP
- 2024-06-04 16:37:05
- date last changed
- 2024-06-04 16:37:05
@misc{9151408,
abstract = {{At the beginning of the summer of 2023, a staple figure of Italian culture and politics passed away after living in the public eye for three decades. Everybody in Italy had an opinion on Silvio Berlusconi, a man whose face was easily seen at least once a day on televisions, newspapers and gossip columns. News of his death circulated quickly, and journalists rushed to comment on his political career, his personality, his sex scandals and on his legacy. Who would take the sceptre of power? Would anyone be able to replace him on the cultural and political pedestal of the Bel Pease?
This thesis dives into the complex public persona of Silvio Berlusconi, unravelling the layers of charisma that marked his political career in order to understand his influence on Italian society.
Charisma, though often overlooked in contemporary political discourse, emerges as a central force shaping the rise and tenure of populist leaders. Berlusconi’s ascent to power, much like figures such as Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, was facilitated by his charismatic persona, “miracle making” promises, and strategic positioning within Italy's socio-political landscape. The study also points to the representational power wielded by charismatic politicians, whose wealth and success become a symbol of societal aspirations. Despite personal scandals and a noticeable divisive rhetoric, charismatic leaders like Berlusconi and Trump continue gathering support by embodying aspirational qualities that resonate with part of the population, transcending traditional political considerations.
Crucial to perpetuating charismatic populism is the role of the media, which serves as a tool to craft these types of leaders. In an era marked by media ubiquity, political leaders easily manipulate the narrative to cultivate an aura of charisma, effectively blurring the lines between rational and legitimate governance and performative spectacle. This mediated construction of charisma not only sustains populist leaders but also perpetuates a cult of personality that undermines traditional democratic norms.
The study places itself within the discourse of populist studies, drawing from Weber’s concept of charismatic authority to identify and understand figures like Berlusconi. By highlighting the dynamics of populist leadership, the research underscores the erosion of trust in democratic institutions, as charismatic leaders wield a dangerous influence that goes beyond conventional checks and balances.
Ultimately, charisma emerges as a pivotal lens through which to examine the connection between media, populism, and democratic trust. By unravelling the complexities of Berlusconi's persona and leadership, the thesis provides insights into the implications of charismatic populism on democratic governance and societal cohesion. As politics continue to evolve within the landscape of mediated spectacle, understanding the allure and impact of charismatic leadership is essential for safeguarding democratic principles and institutions.}},
author = {{Petizzi, Sara}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Unveiling the Myth : Berlusconi's Legacy in Italian Media - Charisma, Populism, & the Erosion of Political Trust}},
year = {{2024}},
}