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This article is aimed at proposing a new kind of discourse analysis based on the Complexity Theory. Its method is founded on a systemic conception focused on the emerging and adaptable properties that compose it. The analysis was applied to a case study: the discourse of the political power in the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991 based on the main topics that resulted from the reforms made by Mikhail Gorbachev. The sample analyzed includes the speeches given by the Soviet leader and other important leaders as well as the reports of the state controlled press agency Novosti. Maps and graphics were also made with software VenSim PLE. With these emerged a model that allowed us to see among apparent discursive contradictions an entire coherent structure. This enhanced the study and provided new epistemic clues to the theoretical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Based on a theoretical discussion this article seeks to validate the viability of the Social theory of communication to understand the interdependence between the political and public communication systems in the United States of America. Method. The study is based on theoretical research methods, bibliographic research and the content analysis of a sample of 215 academic journals, governmental documents and research reports. Results. The models that explain the relationship between the political system and the media were critically analysed and the Social theory of communication was applied to examine the interrelation between the political and public communication systems of the USA. Discussion. Although the Social Theory of Communication is valid to analyse that interdependence, we anticipate the need for a more in-depth scientific evaluation of this category. Conclusions. The most important aspect of this theory is that it gives an active role to the media and treats other components such as parties, power groups, political-legal norms, cultural values and ideological processes that have a regulatory function in society as part of the political system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]