Global Music Politics

Music and politics have always been closely intertwined. Throughout history, political regimes have appropriated musical works for their own purposes, while musicians have expressed their own political views through their work—whether in the lyrics or in the music itself. Some pieces have become closely associated with certain political events, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, digital streaming services have brought a vast menu of global musical choices to consumers, but algorithmic recommendations could shape playlists in ways that serve political agendas or reinforce Western conventions.