Key research themes
1. How do state and non-state actors employ media and communication technologies as tools of public diplomacy to influence foreign publics and advance foreign policy goals?
This theme investigates the strategic use of media—including international broadcasting, state-sponsored channels, and social media platforms—as instruments of public diplomacy. It explores how countries like the US, Russia, China, Qatar, and Kosovo design and deploy broadcasting and media campaigns to engage international audiences, shape foreign public opinion, and wield soft power, sometimes blurring the lines between propaganda and legitimate diplomacy. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for analyzing how digital and traditional media reshape diplomatic communication and international relations in the 21st century.
2. What roles do media narratives and journalism practices play in shaping international conflict perceptions and peacebuilding efforts?
This research area delves into how media reporting, framing, and narratives contribute to either the escalation or de-escalation of international conflicts. By analyzing peace journalism, propaganda, and media framing strategies, scholars examine the ethical and practical dimensions of journalism in conflict zones and how selective coverage influences public opinion and diplomatic outcomes. This theme is crucial for understanding the media’s dual capacity as a facilitator of peace or a tool of political manipulation in international relations.
3. How does the interplay between media, public diplomacy, and international relations influence perceptions and legitimacy of diplomatic communication and conflict signaling?
This theme examines the integration of media theory, international relations, and communication strategies to understand how diplomatic signals are conveyed, perceived, and interpreted via media channels. It explores signaling theory in diplomacy, the credibility challenges of state-sponsored communication, the effects of ‘halo’ perceptions across regional actors, and the transformations of media’s role in democratic and geopolitical contexts. These interdisciplinary insights inform how legitimacy and trust are negotiated in the mediated international arena.