Mediated public diplomacy: US and Taliban relations with Pakistani media

Abstract

This article provides a unique perspective on US–Pakistan and Taliban–Pakistan media relations in the context of the regional war on terror. Based on mediated public diplomacy and news construction literature, the authors explore some of the key challenges and opportunities that both sides face as they aim to influence Pakistani media coverage and win the political support of the Pakistani people. Eighteen online interviews with Pakistani media practitioners explore their perceptions of wartime media relations involving five main categories: US–Pakistani media relations, Taliban–Pakistani media relations, Taliban/extremist groups’ understanding of Pakistani news routines, US officials’ understanding of Pakistani news routines, and social media/internet as sources of information for Pakistani journalists. The study’s key findings are discussed in the context of wartime media relations and mediated public diplomacy.

United States and European Union Online Media Diplomacy in Colombia: Mixed Messages in the Promotion of a Fragile Peace

“…In particular, communications with the press have been conceptualized as mediated public diplomacy, which is the focus of this article. It encompasses the short‐term use of targeted communications via online newsrooms and information subsidies (e.g., press briefings and statements) aimed at shaping foreign news media environments through highlighting issues (setting the agenda) and framing (Arif et al, 2014; Entman, 2008; Fahmy, et al, 2012; Sheafer et al, 2013; Sheafer & Gabay, 2009; Sheafer & Shenhav, 2010).…”

Mediated Public Diplomacy: Frame-building Contest Between the United States and Pakistan During a Conflict

“…A few scholarly studies on contesting MPD examined the success of conflicting actors in influencing foreign nations (Sheafer & Gabay, 2009; Yarchi et al, 2013). However, Sheafer et al (2014) noted that although scholarly interest in MPD is increasing, an in-depth empirical investigation of the field is still lacking (see also Arif et al, 2014). One reason is that the concept of MPD is new (Golan et al, 2015) and is mainly studied from the perspective of the US (Lim & Seo, 2009).…”

Mediated Public Diplomacy Redefined: Foreign Stakeholder Engagement via Paid, Earned, Shared, and Owned Media

“…The examination of frame competition is of particular salience to the modern international relations ecology where governments actively attempt to shape global public opinion via mediated channels. A wide body of scholarship has examined media frame building competition in the context of international conflicts or tensions between nations (Arif, Golan, & Mortiz, 2014; Sheafer et al, 2018; Sheafer & Shenhav, 2009). As explained by Sheafer and Gabay (2009), Entman’s (2008) understanding of framing as applied to international conflict allows audiences to identify what the global problem is, identify who is responsible for the problem, offer a moral evaluation of the global actors, and offer a solution.…”

“…A review of the growing literature on mediated public diplomacy indicates that scholars mostly focus on governmental news management as expressed by the ability of governments to affect media framing of foreign affairs (Arif et al, 2014; Cheng et al, 2015; Sheafer & Gabay, 2009). The research highlights the importance of cultural and political congruence between involved actors in government and media, suggesting that frame building lends particular advantage to international partners rather than rivals (Sheafer et al, 2018; Sheafer & Shenhav, 2009).…”