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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 the 20th 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. Before and after the terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001, the media were instrumental in
shaping the emotions and responses of people around the
world.
The news media also play
an inescapable role in U.S. domestic politics, helping to
shape agendas and create (or destroy)
politicians.
This class explores the
increasing interaction between makers of foreign and
domestic 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 do the media influence the
conduct and shape of politics, with special focus on
international issues, and the fates of people abroad? Do the
media share responsibility with politicians for successes
and failures of policy? Do they bear responsibility for
declining interest in politics among the American
people?
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Syllabus