Communication as a national security service: restoring social cohesion and trust in the future starting from local communities

Abstract

The contribution analyzes strategies to counter the growing normalization of insecurity in contemporary cities, focusing on the interactions between real, represented, and perceived security. Insecurity, a widespread and complex phenomenon today, is fueled not only by actual criminal events but also by media narratives and the social construction of fear. A survey conducted in 2022 and replicated in 2025 among more than 1,500 citizens and 12 mayors and city security councilors from regional capitals reveals that the media and the polarization of public opinion amplify the perception of insecurity. This trend often does not correspond to an actual increase in crime rates. The most effective strategies to counter the spread of fear include the systematic analysis of data, the reinforcement of public trust in institutions and law enforcement agencies, and the conscious management of public communication, understood as a genuine “second security service.” The ability of institutions to mediate between real and perceived security - while promoting a critical and informed citizenry - is fundamental to strengthening social cohesion and collective resilience.