This project compares decision-makers in the pandemic, with a focus on leaders, health and finance ministers. The role of these ministers is taken into account because much debate has revolved around the issues of life versus livelihoods. It considers the degree to which these persons are “experts” in the relevant policy area. It further investigates the extent to which leaders and ministers referred to scientific expertise and, when they did so, which particular disciplines they relied on.
DFG, 2021-2023
The project explores the causal relationships in one particular mechanism, namely the linguistic structure of political communication and persuasion among politicians with relevant disciplinary expertise, other politicians, and voters around the globe. The project measures the degree of engagement with the liberal script in expert rhetoric surrounding decision-making. It is part of the Cluster of Excellence SCRIPTS.