Mass-Mediated Terrorism

Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda, and their associates wrote a new chapter in the annals of terrorism on September 11 with the most lethal acts of political violence to date. Although the magnitude of the actions was unprecedented, the role of mass media in this terrorist scheme was as central as ever. This in-depth look at "mass-mediated" terrorism and political violence shows how terrorists exploit global media networks and information highways to carry news of their violence along with "propaganda of the deed." To what extent are the media advancing or obstructing the propaganda and policy goals of terrorists and their targets? Has the Internet strengthened the hands of terrorists to organize, recruit, and spread propaganda? How have targets of terrorism used the media to manipulate public opinion and advance their own agendas? From U.S. cases like 9/11, Oklahoma City, and acts of ecoterrorists, to incidents abroad like Palestinian suicide bombings in Israel, European hostages held in the Philippines, and violent protests at major international summits, Nacos explores the use of political violence for the sake of publicity, media coverage of counterterrorism policies and its affect on political decisionmaking, and the impact of new media. She offers a blueprint both for effective public information and media relations during terrorism crises as well as for ethical news coverage of major terrorism incidents.

ISBN 0742510832   Pages 208 ISBN13 9780742510838 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher Rowman & Littlefield   Weight (grammes) 304 Imprint Rowman & Littlefield   Published in Lanham, MD Format Paperback   Height (mm) 229 Publication date 18 Sep 2002   Width (mm) 150 Library of Congress 2002003675   Spine width (mm) 12 DEWEY 303.625   Academic level General DEWEY edition DC21

		Acknowledgments
		Introduction		1
1		Mass-Mediated Terrorism in the New World (Dis)Order		7
2		Terrorism as Breaking News: Attack on America		33
3		Political Violence as Media Event		65
4		E-Terrorism and the Web of Hate		103
5		The Mass Media and U.S. Anti- and Counterterrorism		131
6		Responding to Terrorist Crises: Dealing with the Mass Media		165
7		Conclusion		193
		Bibliography		199
		Index		207
		About the Author		219

In this absorbing discussion of the critical role that media play in motivating terrorists and counterterrorists, Nacos explains mass-mediated terrorism as acts primarily designed to garner the widest media attention and coverage. Nacos builds nicely on prior discussions, with a number of effective examples from the last several decades. A valuable guideline for crisis managers and in communication studies... Highly recommended. CHOICE In Mass-Mediated Terrorism political scientist Brigitte L. Nacos lays bare the logic of political violence in a media age. The Washington Post Book World Provides examples of how particular groups (e.g., eco-extremists, some opposed to globalization, suicide bombers) are rewarded ('positively reinforced' in behavioral parlance) by the media attention their extreme behaviors garner. Charlotte Observer Brigitte Nacos has written a masterful, indeed gripping, textbook on the media as terrorism's 'oxygen.' She shows how the bad guys fabricate fear to panic free-minded populations into sabotaging their own defining values. Her vivid case studies and astute analyses lead to bracing advice: We need to 'manage' news and information through more sophisticated strategies--but never defeat ourselves by abandoning our commitment to free, independent reporting. A superb book, essential reading for government, media, and an often mystified citizenry. -- Keith Spicer An important book. Traces the links connecting terrorism, the media, public opinion and decision-making from the Iran hostage crisis to 9/11. Courant, (Hartford, Ct) Brigitte Nacos is to be congratulated. The full horror of September 11, 2001, is highlighted in Mass-Mediated Terrorism, but she also covers a wide spectrum of terrorist-related incidents. This book explores the dramatic impact of terrorism and puts into context the necessary need for worldwide media reporting. I found the insight into the media world as it struggles with the difficult role of reporting on such sensitive events of particular interest. -- Mervyn Edwards Mass-Mediated Terrorism's central strength is its unrelenting dissection of media coverage of terrorism in the late twentieth and early twenty-first century... An important new resource for media personnel, academics interested in terrorism and counterterrorism, policymakers, and students at various stages, as well as any informed reader with an interest in the topic. International Studies Review Exhaustively researched and well-written, this timely book advances the terrorism literature substantially. Security Management Magazine Mass-Mediated Terrorism has much to offer in the way of descriptions of media coverage in the wake of the major terrorist incidents of the past decade and the way in which it helps terrorists gain attention and governments promote national cohesion and gain public support for counterterrorist actions. Political Communication

 Be the first to write a customer review