The Politics of Media Coverage on Conflicts Around the Globe

We are seeking proposals for chapters that critically explore the transformative role of media in shaping the narratives and perspectives on major conflicts over the last 25 years. Our book aims to provide an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of how both traditional and digital media platforms have not only reported on conflicts but have also played a significant role in influencing public perception, policy decisions, and the course of the conflicts themselves. In the background and in some cases the foreground, issues of race, ethnicity, and culture are either glossed over or blown up to serve the politics of the reporter and or their institutional affiliations. Through a series of detailed case studies, the book will examine the dual nature of media as both a propagator of conflict and a potential vehicle for peace and reconciliation. We are interested in chapters that delve into the strategic use of media by various actors, the ethical challenges faced by journalists in conflict zones, issues faced by racialized journalists and reporters, and the pervasive impact of misinformation and fake news. We invite researchers and practitioners to integrate theoretical and conceptual understandings of the role of the media with empirical evidence from specific case studies. We strongly invite comparative analysis of case studies.

The edited collection aims to offer insights into the evolving dynamics between media, conflict, and racialized identities, highlighting the lessons learned and the challenges that lie ahead in the digital age.