Rearm EU: the power of words in political communication

Words are never neutral: how a concept is presented can radically change its perception. A recent and resounding example is “Rearm EU,” Ursula von der Leyen's program to strengthen the European defense industry. The name has provoked strong reactions, igniting debate between those who see it as a necessary step for security and those who interpret it as a return to uncontrolled rearmament.

But what would have happened if the plan had a different name? European Defense Initiative, Security & Stability Program, and Future Shield each alternative would have framed the message differently, probably reducing dissent.

This is the power of the framing effect, a psychological lever influencing political communication, marketing, and daily decisions.

In this episode, we look at how framing can change perceptions of reality and what strategies to use to communicate more effectively.