Politics has always been about actual voices that can be heard, amplified, or silenced, and music has functioned in myriad ways ranging from its use as a sonic weapon to its employment as a means of political reconciliation. In the 21st century, music continues to be politically relevant in a large number constellations, and the increasing complexity in the field of political communication, facilitated by the rise of digital media environments, additionally complicates the analysis of musical politics and the politics of music. This course will investigate the roles and functions of music in contemporary politics. It will approach this vast field via case studies investigating music examples in different countries, including the United States, Israel, Italy, Hungary, Germany, and Austria. Each case study will emphasize different aspects in the field of music and contemporary politics. The course will address questions such as: How do politicians and political parties use music? How does music function in politicized media environments? To what extent are celebrities political, and conversely, to what extent can politicians be considered celebrities? Is music a site of political resistance?