From realpolitik to noopolitik: The public relations of (stateless) nations in an information age

► The paper identifies a neglect of stateless nations in nation-building theory in public relations. ► We consider what public relations might learn from the experiences of stateless nations using the case of Catalonia. ► We argue for linking theories of the information society and soft power to public relations. ► We explore how the information society and noopolitik is changing public diplomacy. ► We propose a shift from nation-state governments to governance involving civil society. In this article, we explore ways to advance public relations approaches to nation building by drawing insights from stateless nations and by deploying two sets of theories uncommon in the field: the information society and noopolitik. The theoretical discussion is grounded in a study of Catalonia and we conclude by arguing for a shift of emphasis from nation-state governments to governance for both public and private actors.