The Role of Mass Media in Modern Military and Political Conflicts

Aim. To define role of mass media in shaping public opinion and influencing the course and outcome of modern military-political conflicts, considering historical examples, digital transformations and philosophical approaches.

Methodology. Content analysis, historical and comparative analysis, philosophical reflection (in O. Spengler’s, M. Castells’, and V. Pelevin’s style), and case method that includes the analysis of media coverage of conflicts (Yugoslavia, Iraq, Vietnam, Chechnya, Ukraine) were used as the key methods.

Results. The transformation of the media from a communication channel into a subject of political and military power is proved. The direct relationship between the results of military campaigns and the success of their information support is shown. Parallels have been established between historical examples of manipulation of public opinion (Gliwicki provocation, Vietnam, Iraq) and digital conflicts of the 21st century. The new role of the mass media as an institution of political mobilization and pressure beyond the scope of state jurisdiction is demonstrated.

Research implications. The role of the media as an independent political actor in modern conflicts is substantiated, digital propaganda mechanisms, that can be used in the system of media literacy, countering fakes and extremism, as well as in the strategic planning of information policy, is identified.

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