The Role of Media in Conflict Dynamics

Abstract

The paper explores the media’s role in the Syrian conflict known as one of the most ‘socially mediated’ wars in the history of international politics. Both, the opposition and President Bashar al Assad’s supporters used the media networks to shape public opinion, promote their interests and draw the desired political reality. On the one hand, similar to the other Arab countries, the media inspired the wave of uprisings against authoritarianism, repression, corruption, and poverty in Syria. However, from another perspective, it has served as a critical tool in the hands of the ruling political regime that has helped President Assad to sustain and even strengthen his power.