The power of local media as an actor in the international system. (2013)

Abstract

It is a commonly established principle that all types of media are important means of information, capable of influencing opinions and attitudes of individuals. This thesis studied the power of local media, as an actor throughout the international arena, and most notably as a tool which has proven capable of affecting European- Muslim relations. In proving this notion, this thesis studied two cases. These are namely the 2005 Danish Jyllands-Posten Cartoon Affair, and the 2012 French Charlie Hebdo Cartoon Affair, both cases involving the ridiculing of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, via cartoons. The study of these cases allowed the illustration and examination of the scope of local media’s powers, as they exposed the extent to which these cartoons, which were published in what may be described as ‘small’ European local media outlets, were able to affect European-Muslim relations on four different levels, as follows: firstly, between European communities, and Muslim communities in Europe, secondly, between Muslim communities, and European states, thirdly, between European communities, and Muslim communities in Europe, and fourthly, between Muslim states, and European states. This thesis has also demonstrated that more and more, especially in this era of globalization, and through media globalization, local media outlets have become empowered due to increased proximity between individuals and societies, accompanied by lesser borders and lesser restrictions, which may have historically prevented the flow of information. Moreover, this thesis has argued that as a result of European culture and the notion of liberalism, local media has also been empowered, especially due to the fundamental legal right of freedom of expression. Therefore, globalization, and most notably media globalization, as well as the right to freedom of expression, have been provided as explanatory reasons as to why local media chains have become such infinitely powerful mediums, capable of affecting relations between and within states.