Studying the Media, Public Opinion, and Foreign Policy in International Crises: The United States and the Bosnian Crisis, 1992—1995

Abstract

This study presents an integrative model of the press, public opinion, and foreign policy relations during times of international crises. It combines theories of mass communications and international relations, with emphasis on the various stages of the crisis, the roles and functions of the media, and the different positions adopted by the press and the public vis-à-vis government foreign policy. The model is then applied to the United States during the Bosnian crisis (1992)(1993)(1994)(1995), by examining commentary and editorials from The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, news headlines from USA Today and Washington Times, and public opinion data.The findings and conclusions regarding strong and significant correlations among media content, public opinion, and policy clarify the different roles of the press during various stages of an international crisis.They shed new light on scholars' and practitioners' understanding of the complex nature of theses relationships, during both times of crisis and more generally.

Framing international conflicts:Media coverage of fighting in the Middle East

“…Reporting of the conflicts in Jenin and Nahr al-Bared fit the post-Cold War morality framing discussed in previous research (Bloch-Elkon 2007;Entman 2000). The asymmetry in NY Times' framing of these two conflicts was seen in other media as well (The Washington Post, The Guardian, BBC, CNN).…”

“…The NY Times is one of the main news sources for political elites in the United States and its influence is felt worldwide. The NY Times' impact on decision-makers is even greater for international affairs (Bloch-Elkon 2007), as it together with the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post have more foreign correspondents than all other American newspapers combined (Carroll 2006).…”

“…Policymakers, like the public, depend on media reports for most of their information about world events, as well as for understanding public opinion on these events (Bloch-Elkon 2007;Entman 2000).…”

Representations of Poverty in British Newspapers: A Case of ‘Othering’ the Threat?

“…Growing competition between news agencies has contributed to the evolution of a new trend that has been designated as market‐driven journalism (McManus, ), consumer and supplier relationship (Tai & Chang, ), and commercial journalism (McChesney, ). Despite this bi‐directionality, the role of news media in shaping the public perception of social issues remains well documented (Baum & Potter, ; Bloch‐Elkon, ; Bratton & Mattes, ; Hodgetts, Bolam, & Stephens, ; Nisbet & Myers, ). Society draws upon the communicative acts of newspapers and through its subsequent elaboration in the public sphere, representations–for example, those of poverty–are born, maintained, developed and changed.…”

Constructing Climate Change in the Americas

“…As such, this study seeks to fill a gap in the literature by conducting a cross-cultural content analysis comparing print media coverage of climate change in the United States with that of three countries in South America, a hitherto understudied region, by analyzing the salience of frames and tone of coverage and identifying the claims makers given a voice in the media. How media present issues to their audiences may affect not only public opinion but also policy direction (Bloch-Elkon, 2007;McQuail, 1994). Finally, South America, home to some of the world's fastest growing economies, is not only particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change but is also home to some of the world's most important biosystems, thus making it a region worthy of study.…”