Understanding Crisis Communication - The Interplay of Social Media, Trust, Scientific knowledge and Public Policy

This book offers a rigorous examination of how crises—particularly nuclear disasters—are communicated through media and how these narratives shape public trust, policy-making, and scientific discourse. It investigates the growing influence of social media in framing crisis narratives and their impact on perception and decision-making. Drawing on detailed analyses of the SL-1 Accident (1961), Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986), and Fukushima Daiichi (2011), the book identifies patterns and lessons from past communication strategies. Beyond these case studies, it engages with theoretical frameworks of crisis communication, explores the interplay between scientific knowledge and public policy, and underscores the vital role of transparency and trust in effective crisis management. Designed for scholars, practitioners, and policy-makers, this work equips readers with critical insights and practical tools to navigate the complexities of crisis communication in an era defined by digital media.