Allison M. Prasch (University of Wisconsin, Madison) considers how presidential appearances overseas broadcast American superiority during the Cold War. Drawing on extensive archival research, she theorizes the “global rhetorical presidency,” and reveals how the president’s physical presence defined the boundaries of the “Free World” and elevated the United States in Cold War geopolitics.

Presented by the Department of Communication Studies Friday Noon Research (FNR) Series, co-sponsored by the Institute for Advanced Study.