Characterization of the presidential inauguration speech and identification of political communities in Colombia: An empirical approach from the analysis of social networks

TL;DR

This paper uses social network analysis to characterize Colombian presidential speeches and identify political communities by examining discourse and relationships among political figures.

Contribution

It introduces an empirical network-based approach to analyze political discourse and alliances in Colombia, combining linguistic and actor network perspectives.

Findings

Important terms in presidential discourse identified

Key actors and alliances in Colombian politics distinguished

Network statistics reveal cohesion and community structures

Abstract

Statistical analysis of social networks is a predominant methodology in political science research. In this article we implement network methods to characterize the presidential inauguration speech and identify political communities in Colombia. We propose an empirical approach to analize the discursive structure of the heads of state and the configuration of alliance and work relationships between prominent figures of Colombian politics. Thus, we implement network methods from two perspectives, words and political actors. We conclude on the relevance of social network statistics to identify frequent and important terms in the communicative action of president figures, and to examine cohesion such discourses. Finally, we distinguish notable actors in the consolidation of working relationships and alliances as well as political communities.