Political Science and International Relations 340
Media & Politics
Ralph J. Begleiter
Political Science and International Relations 340
Media & Politics
Ralph J. Begleiter
Since Edmund Burke dubbed the news media the “fourth estate” (following Louis XVI’s designation of nobles, clergy and commoners as the first three “Estates,”) journalists have played a varying role in influencing the conduct of global politics. In this century, the media served as cheerleader during two world wars and a regional conflict (Korea). But that role changed during another regional conflict, Vietnam, when journalists exposing the realities of southeast Asia to an American television audience influenced the national leadership’s decision to withdraw.
This class explores the increasing interaction between makers of foreign policy and global news media, especially international television and the internet. Its objective is to analyze this indispensable symbiosis through the examination of case studies. How does the media influence the conduct and shape of foreign policy – and the fates of people abroad? Do the media share responsibility with government officials for successes and failures of policy? Do they bear responsibility for declining interest in international affairs among the American people?
Students may also take advantage of this course’s opportunity to work with an experienced, career broadcast journalist who’s traveled the world covering foreign policy for almost two decades.
Syllabus, Fall 1999
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CIA Milt Bearden guest speaker
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Useful WWW links from COMM 245
Ralph Begleiter’s Professional Biography
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