Talking about international media and its role in regards to less developed countries, international media is just not about giving news and making decisions; it’s about an ideology. The term International media can be used for the media existing in developed countries. They have their say and stand in media followed by developing or underdeveloped countries. Now with the pace that the world is progressing, it is hard to differentiate between developing and underdeveloped countries, there is just a marginal difference remaining.
Political, social, and economic conditions define the standing of a country. It tells the present condition and also predicts the future, which can really be a make or break situation for any country or state. A weak country on these three pillars can survive or even get worse by just tiny measures taken by the media.
When bombing and firing happen in Syria, the international media always declares Syria on the wrong side of it and makes Israel the victim of it.
Role of international media
In a good man’s world, an ideal role of international media should be to encourage and play a positive role in the development of underdeveloped countries. But is it really the case? We have seen good work such as working for health-related projects and welfare work but international media often plays the role of a puppet in the hands of opinion makers. Media itself has a model, which stands on the basis of earning money, profits, and high TRP and ratings.
Why is the international media so keen to interfere in less developed countries’ internal matters?
As I’ve mentioned before, it’s not about gaining something all the time, sometimes it’s about showing your power, muscles, and standing that you exist and you can do a lot of damage if required. It’s not always about what the media shows is right, there is always hidden propaganda or message attached to it.
International media and the China effect
Though China doesn’t fall in the category of a less developed country by any means as I have mentioned that there is always a hidden agenda. Now how will international media use or pressurize a less developed country like Afghanistan or even Pakistan to pressurize China? The world knows how fast China’s market is growing and where it will stand in the coming years. Many analysts rightly or wrongly believe that China might take over the United States of America as the world superpower in the coming 10 years. The International lobby is very much aware of this fact and they want to take timely measures to put China in control.
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International media followed this lead and we started to see tensions arising on the Pakistan-India border just when everything was right. There was hardly any news regarding Pak-India tension but overnight we have seen things starting to change. An attack happened in India; by wasting no time India put Pakistan to blame. International media around the world supported this claim in a blink of an eye and we started to see propaganda just when Pakistan was focusing on investments and reviving the economy. India has always had a strong lobby internationally and so does the media.
The invisible hand in Syrian chaos
The policymakers have over time suppressed Syria. International media obviously do not form the policy but they do play a significant role in making policy and then its implementation. The CNN effect theory that arrived almost 3 decades ago played an important part in creating chaos and humanitarian crisis. Fortunately enough after 30 years and thanks to social media, the images which started to come out from Syria showed the true colors of policymakers and very much damaged the plan but the stronghold and grip of international media remains at its position.
A weak country on these three pillars can survive or even get worse by just tiny measures taken by the media.
Israel’s puppet
Socially, politically, economically, or even in terms of infrastructure, Syria has been a victim of some worst handled situations. The American policy regarding the conflict has turned out to be the worst form of humanity. And it is surely not because America does not believe in humanity or giving someone their due rights, they might do but money always stands tall and above humanity.
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America as a whole has huge interests in Israel. Not just American political people but the decision-makers, stakeholders, businessmen have huge personal investments in Israel. Also, Israel is investing a lot in terms of beverages, food, and clothing in America. Israel shares a good bond with American decision-makers and has very strong lobbying inside America. We have at many times seen American Presidents getting accused of backing the Israeli lobby or even we have heard rightly or wrongly that Israel plays its part in bringing the American president into office.
Israel owns many multinational brands that generate a lot of money and creates job opportunities inside America. So when money starts talking it gets difficult to stand against it. American policy has led Syria to the worst destruction, starting from gas attacks, bombing, firing, and brutality. The world is speaking against it but international media is keen to not even consider it as a topic worthy of discussion.
Fortunately enough after 30 years and thanks to social media, the images which started to come out from Syria showed the true colors of policymakers and very much damaged the plan but the stronghold and grip of international media remains at its position.
When bombing and firing happen in Syria, the international media always declares Syria on the wrong side of it and makes Israel the victim of it. Have we ever seen CNN accusing Israel of brutality in Syria? We have all the images on the Internet, videos, and articles, journals even at times we have seen one particular person changing his/her narrative because of a forum. Many analysts and journalists who do not blame Israel while sitting on CNN or any other international channel will often be seen going all hard in journals and articles. So this is another example of how bound individuals get when it comes to following the policy.
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Fahad Qureshi is a MPhil scholar, analyst and journalist with an expertise in national and international politics. The views expressed in this article are author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.