Bayesian explanations for persuasion

The central puzzle of persuasion is why a receiver would listen to sender who they know trying change their beliefs or behavior. This article summarizes five approaches solving this puzzle: (1) some messages are easier send for those with favorable information ( costly signaling), (2) the and have common interest, (3) verifiable information, (4) cares about reputation competence/honesty, (5) can commit messaging strategy (often called ‘Bayesian Persuasion’). After reviewing these notation, I discuss which provide insight into prominent empirical findings on campaigns, partisan media, lobbying. While models focusing commitment rapidly become (if not dominant) in recent theoretical literature political science economics, insights primarily technical, particularly well-suited explaining most phenomena.