Understanding patterns in thinking about global issues
Strategies that attract short-term attention to international issues often undermine long-term goals. Understanding the public’s underlying attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions can help advocates better communicate about topics like early learning in developing countries, nuclear security, peacebuilding, and more.
What the Research Tells Us
Show how we are all interconnected.
When we reinforce the sense that what affects one part of the world affects all of us, we build buy-in for peacebuilding programs and policies.
Focus on systems, not individual leaders.
Building the will for systemic change means putting international systems at the center of communications, instead of focusing on the threat individual, irrational leaders might pose.
Emphasize the benefits of investment in early childhood development.
Using the multiplier metaphor helps explain how investment in early childhood development advances the goals of international aid and development across issues, from nutrition to education.
Resources / International Affairs Resources
Building the Bridge to Peace: A Messaging Guide for Peacebuilders
Evidence-based recommendations for communicators to help a more productive narrative take hold
April 5, 2022