Matthew Fraser

Associate Professor

  • Department: Communication, Media and Culture
  • Complementary Department(s): History and Politics
  • Graduate Program(s): Global Communications
  • Office: 
    G-401
  • Office Hours: 
    Wednesdays 12:00–15:00 or by appointment

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Professor Fraser is a specialist in the global media, international relations, journalism, and the entertainment industries. He teaches courses on the global politics of pop culture, media law, and media industry economics. Dr Fraser's current research is focused on the history of media, iconoclasm, and social protest.  

He is also the author of several books, notably Weapons of Mass Distraction: Soft Power and American Empire, about the influence of pop culture on geopolitics. His most recent book, Monumental Fury: The History of Iconoclasm and the Future of Our Past, examines the history of violence against statues, monuments, and works of art. Before joining The American University of Paris faculty, he was a newspaper columnist, editor-in-chief and television host in Canada. He occasionally contributes to international media such as CNN, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal on issues related to media and French current affairs, and has been interviewed and quoted in The Guardian, The Economist, and on the BBC. 



Education/Degrees

  • DEA, PhD, Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris
  • Graduate studies: London School of Economics, Oxford University, Paris-Sorbonne I
  • MJ, Carleton University, Ottawa
  • BAA, Ryerson University, Toronto
  • BA, Victoria College, University of Toronto

News

Publications

  • Caricatures, Canards, and Guignols: Satirical Journalism in France from the French Revolution to Fifth Republic (Journalism and Media, 2024)
  • Monumental Fury: The History of Iconoclasm and the Future of Our Past (Prometheus, 2022)
  • In Truth: A History of Lies from Ancient Rome to Modern America (Prometheus, 2020)
  • Throwing Sheep in the Boardroom (Wiley, 2009)
  • Weapons of Mass Distraction (St Martin's, 2005)
  • Free for All (Stoddart, 1999)
  • Quebec Inc (Key Porter, 1987) 

Research Areas

Truth, lies, and misinformation in politics and warfare. The role of social media in civil engagement, election campaigns, political mobilization and protest. The emergence of digital models of journalism, advertising, and media production. The transformation of the entertainment industries and consumer behavior. 

  • Misinformation and propaganda
  • Propaganda and war
  • Social media 
  • Journalism 
  • Media ethics 
  • Media industries and economics