U.S. Empire and Communications Today: Revisiting Herbert I. Schiller

Abstract

This article revisits, refines and renews Herbert I. Schiller's theory of U.S. Empire and cultural imperialism. Apart from one exceptional book-length examination of Schiller's life and work and a few excellent essays published following his passing, Schiller's theory is often rejected by scholars inside and outside of the political economy of communication tradition. Although important changes have reshaped the global communications landscape over the past four decades, Schiller's theory of U.S. Empire and cultural imperialism continues to have conceptual, descriptive and analytical value for 21^st century research. To show how, the article's first and second sections contextualize and explicate Schiller's understanding of U.S. Empire and cultural imperialism. The third section highlights post-9/11 economic, military and communicational developments that support a refined and renewed theory of U.S. Empire and cultural imperialism. Overall, the article highlights continuity and change in the operations of the U.S. Empire and cultural imperialism.