Rees Patricia

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping political marketing, campaigning and public affairs. As AI transforms how messages are created, targeted and trusted, it also raises urgent questions about misinformation, deepfakes, ethics and democratic legitimacy. This book explores the relationship between AI and political communication through the crucial lens of trust. It traces the development of political marketing and public affairs, examines how AI is changing advocacy, lobbying and policymaking, and asks whether these technologies strengthen engagement or deepen public scepticism. Bringing together debates on information abundance, persuasion, regulation and accountability, it shows how AI can enhance communication while blurring the boundary between fact and reality. The discussion connects practical developments in campaigning with wider questions about legitimacy, transparency and civic participation in data-driven societies. Timely and thought-provoking, the book asks who will govern influence, credibility and accountability in an AI-driven democracy—and what this means for citizens, campaigners, policymakers, researchers and society. Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand how artificial intelligence is redefining power, persuasion and public trust in contemporary politics.