War and the Media

In this study of the impact of the media on war, all the major wars and many of the minor conflicts fought by Britain - as well as many by the United States - from the Crimea to Bosnia are examined. The authors demonstrate how social and technological revolution have altered the relationships between politicians, the media and civil servants in the shaping of policies which may lead to conflict. The complex subjects of propaganda, censorship and handling of the media by the military and political authorities are examined; journalistic ethics and motives are probed. The effect of the media on the formation of public opinion and the extent to which the latter influences the making of foreign policy come under the spotlight.