Real Time Television Coverage of Armed Conflicts and Diplomatic Crises: Does it Pressure or Distort Foreign Policy Decisions

Abstract

Instant, real-time television coverage of the latest generation of armed conflicts is the curse of policy makers. The relationship between such coverage and foreign policy is profound but fickle. Conventional wisdom is that real-time television coverage creates a demand that "something must be done" and drives the making of foreign policy. This paper challenges that belief. Frequently the relationship is not as profound as conventional wisdom assumes. Ministers and officials resist the pressure with an iron will. TV's ability to provide rapid, raw, real-time images as a "video ticker-tape" service should not be mistaken for a power to sway policy-makers. Television journalists must not delude themselves about the impact of their images on foreign policy. On a few occasions it can be great, especially when it comes to responding with humanitarian aid. Routinely, however, there is little or no policy impact when the TV pictures cry out for a determined, pro-active foreign policy response to end a conflict