The media as a non-state actor in international relations: a case study of the New York Times' coverage of the Darfur conflict in 2004
Date
2015-03-02
Authors
Chutel, Lynsey
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The media’s role is to disseminate accurate and objective information about particular
phenomena but the media itself is rarely an objective institution. In international
relations, the media exists as a non-state actor, able to exert power through its
representation, reinforcement and the possibility to challenge the narrative of a
particular conflict or intervention. The hypothesis of this paper is that the media does
not play the role of neutral observer in a conflict. Using the New York Times’
coverage at the start of the Darfur conflict in 2004 as a case study, this paper
discusses how the newspaper reported on the conflict, exploring how the description
of the conflict, its root cause and actors involved, as created by the coverage as well
as the calls for international intervention demonstrates the role of the media as a nonstate
actor. Using discourse analysis and discussing power and representation through
language and framing, it links international relations theory with that of media theory
to show how the media is situated within discourse, where it creates and recreates
historical representation. This paper suggests that through a more nuanced description
of the Darfur conflict and subsequent intervention and more interrogation of the
accepted narrative, the media could have created a richer contribution to the existing
discourse on the Darfur conflict specifically and conflict in general.