Media and Peace

GRAHAM SPENCER is Reader in Politics, Conflict and the Media at the University of Portsmouth, UK. He has written widely on the media and the Northern Ireland peace process and is currently researching victims of political violence, and political reconciliation.

'Graham Spencer has written a scholarly review of the relationship of the media to violent conflict over recent decades. From Vietnam to Iraq, via Rwanda, the Balkans and beyond, he explores the way the media has helped and, alas, mostly hindered efforts for peace. Wrestling with the dilemma of 'objectivity' versus 'peace journalism', he asks whether the media can ever play a constructive role in conflict resolution. A very valuable contribution in an emerging field of study.' - Anthony Borden, Executive Director, Institute for War and Peace Reporting, UK 'Graham Spencer presents a compelling argument that the news media are political players with political responsibilities. This thoughtful book will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in how journalism affects nations' approaches to war and peace.' - Philip Seib, Professor of Journalism and Public Diplomacy, University of Southern California, USA 'A timely and serious contribution on the media's role in peace and peace processes - something which has not, until now, received the attention it deserves from the conflict resolution community.' - Antonia Potter, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Geneva, Switzerland

• Introduction News Culture The Impact of News on Foreign Policy Diplomacy and Signalling Rwanda and Reporting Africa Vietnam Bosnia and Kosovo The Middle East The Northern Ireland Peace Process The Gulf War, the 'War on Terror' and Iraq Peace Journalism Conclusion Bibliography Index