"Social Must Be Defended": Lectures at the College de France by Michel Foucault, translated by David Macey, published by Picador in 2003, is a significant work that bridges communication studies and Foucault's philosophy. Foucault's lectures, delivered at the prestigious College de France, offer a critical perspective on power, knowledge, and resistance. These lectures, part of a series of 14 previously unpublished works, provide a deeper understanding of Foucault's evolving thought, particularly his focus on the relationship between power and knowledge, and the role of resistance in societal structures. Foucault's work in these lectures marks a pivotal transition in his philosophy, moving beyond traditional juridical forms to explore microphysical relations of power. He emphasizes how "truth" is used as a strategic weapon in the construction of "legitimate" knowledge, and how resistance is always intertwined with domination. Foucault's concept of the dispositif, a new framework for understanding power, challenges traditional discourse analysis. The lectures cover a wide range of topics, including the critique of liberal-bourgeois theory of sovereignty, the role of communication as strategic and instrumental, and the importance of genealogy in understanding resistance. Foucault's analysis of historical figures like Comte de Boulainvilliers highlights the polyvalent nature of counterhistory and the role of war as a grid of intelligibility. Foucault's work in "Society Must Be Defended" is particularly relevant for communication scholars, as it offers insights into the dynamics of power, resistance, and the construction of knowledge. The lectures also provide a critical perspective on the "war on terror" and the role of media in shaping public perception. Overall, these lectures offer a comprehensive and erudite exploration of Foucault's philosophy, making them a valuable resource for scholars in communication studies and philosophy."Social Must Be Defended": Lectures at the College de France by Michel Foucault, translated by David Macey, published by Picador in 2003, is a significant work that bridges communication studies and Foucault's philosophy. Foucault's lectures, delivered at the prestigious College de France, offer a critical perspective on power, knowledge, and resistance. These lectures, part of a series of 14 previously unpublished works, provide a deeper understanding of Foucault's evolving thought, particularly his focus on the relationship between power and knowledge, and the role of resistance in societal structures. Foucault's work in these lectures marks a pivotal transition in his philosophy, moving beyond traditional juridical forms to explore microphysical relations of power. He emphasizes how "truth" is used as a strategic weapon in the construction of "legitimate" knowledge, and how resistance is always intertwined with domination. Foucault's concept of the dispositif, a new framework for understanding power, challenges traditional discourse analysis. The lectures cover a wide range of topics, including the critique of liberal-bourgeois theory of sovereignty, the role of communication as strategic and instrumental, and the importance of genealogy in understanding resistance. Foucault's analysis of historical figures like Comte de Boulainvilliers highlights the polyvalent nature of counterhistory and the role of war as a grid of intelligibility. Foucault's work in "Society Must Be Defended" is particularly relevant for communication scholars, as it offers insights into the dynamics of power, resistance, and the construction of knowledge. The lectures also provide a critical perspective on the "war on terror" and the role of media in shaping public perception. Overall, these lectures offer a comprehensive and erudite exploration of Foucault's philosophy, making them a valuable resource for scholars in communication studies and philosophy.