Final answer:
After World War II, the driving concern in rhetorical theory was power dynamics, influenced by the need to rebuild societies, ethical questions around nuclear power, and the democratizing effect of economic growth. The era also saw the rise of postmodernism, affecting how individuals understood media and information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The driving concern in (and for) rhetorical theory after World War II is primarily associated with power dynamics and the shifting landscape of global influence. The post-war era saw a fundamental concern with the rebuilding of war-torn societies, the ethical implications of nuclear power, and the establishment of lasting peace, as suggested by the immense hopes tied to new institutions like the United Nations. Furthermore, the rise of modernization theory signified an increased attention to the correlation between economic development and democratization, especially after the Cold War. This period also marked the arrival of postmodernism, which brought about a new understanding of the 'textuality' of experience, highlighting how society processes diverse forms of media. With the advent of the computer and the internet, these vast technological advancements led to changes in the way individuals interacted with information and with each other.