THE MASS MEDIA AND VIOLENT CONFLICTS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
THE MASS MEDIA AND VIOLENT CONFLICTS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Author(s): Collins G. AdeyanjuSubject(s): Constitutional Law, International Law, Civil Society, Governance, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Developing nations, Politics and law, Politics and religion, Comparative politics, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Geopolitics, Politics of History/Memory, Politics and Identity, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: Institute for Research and European Studies - Bitola
Keywords: mass media; violent conflicts; content framing; hate speech
Summary/Abstract: Mass media have been a critical weapon of warfare since the cold war, and even more recently, the powerful intrusion of the new media: transformed the landscape in terms of reach and influence. Its role can be both constructive and deconstructive. The Rwanda genocide, armed violence in Nigeria and Kenya, and Balkan wars has questioned its roles, powers and ethical responsibilities in violent conflict circumstances. In these cases the mass media played a poisonous role. Although establishing a causal relationship between mass media and framing of opinion, emotion and beliefs that steams violent conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa is neither linear nor clear. However, this paper underscores mass media’s compelling influence on how perception in fragile armed conflict environment of Africa is developed. It is not only used as an effective propaganda machine for promoting regime defense, building resistant movement, but also transforming the political actor’s parochial interest into people’s interest.
Journal: Journal of Liberty and International Affairs
- Issue Year: IV/2018
- Issue No: 3
- Page Range: 73-87
- Page Count: 15
- Language: English
