The challenge of new media in French and American politics: Concepts, methods and opportunities

As the digital revolution in political discourse continues, there are some important conceptual, methodological and empirical challenges that must be met by scholars interested in new media politics in both France and the United States. Some of the challenges that the Internet poses to basic concepts and procedures in the field of political communication are profound, and perhaps explain a lack of disciplinary consensus on any kind of theory. This article uses an example of recent research to highlight these difficulties and suggest some possible solutions. It then surveys the realm of new media politics in France, and offers some suggestions for future research.