Foreign Policy and the Media

This book analyzes the response of the Indonesian press to American foreign policy during the administrations of Presidents Bush and Obama. Situated in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country and the largest Muslim nation, and as such is a potentially vital economic and strategic partner to the US in the 21st century. Ever since Indonesian independence post World War II, relations to the US have been marked by ups and downs. The author argues that the way the Indonesian public perceives the world has an impact on the national self-image that again heavily influences national foreign affairs. For both the US and Indonesia, this is a crucial moment in bilateral relations. This study explores Indonesian media responses to American foreign policy by analyzing more than 400 press articles. In the context of President Obama's declared pivot to Asia, both countries need to find a way to foster better relations.

Explores the turbulent Indonesian-American history in the 21st century Examines the Indonesian press responses to American foreign policy during the Bush and Obama administrations Provides the first authoritative review of how the perception of American foreign policy changes in the Indonesian press over time using analysis of over 400 press articles

Autorentext

Jarno S. Lang works for the NGO Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund and is a Reporter for Fair Observer. He holds an MA from the University of Heidelberg, Germany, in the humanities and a PhD in International Relations from the University of Freiburg, Germany. During his studies for this book, he was able to combine his personal and professional interests in Southeast Asia.

Inhalt

Acknowledgements.- Introduction: The Relevance of the Indonesian-American Relations.- 1. Theoretical Perspectives A Lens through which to View the World.- 2. A Research Design for a Qualitative Image Study.- 3. The Indonesian Press and US-Indonesian Relations.- 4. The Three Steps of Analysis.- 5. Empirical Frame I The US in Southeast Asia.- 6. Empirical Frame II The US in the 'Arab World'.- 7. Empirical Frame III The US Globally.- Conclusion: The US in the Indonesian Press Between Threat and Opportunity.