Media, Conflict, and the State in Africa

Explores the ideas, interests and institutions that shape the development of media systems, particularly in countries engaged in, and emerging from, violent conflict.

Nicole Stremlau (Author)

9781108446396, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 August 2019

191 pages
15 x 23 x 1 cm, 0.29 kg

'From her in-depth analysis of the region's history, contemporary media use, and future potentials, Streamlau has demonstrated what excellent media and journalism analysis can and should look like across the African continent and developing world.' Allison Hailey Hahn, International Journal of Communication

Countries emerging from violent conflict face difficult challenges about what the role of media should be in political transitions, particularly when attempting to build a new state and balance a difficult legacy. Media, Conflict, and the State in Africa discusses how ideas, institutions and interests have shaped media systems in some of Africa's most complex state and nation-building projects. This timely book comes at a turbulent moment in global politics as waves of populist protests gain traction, and concerns continue to grow about fake news, social media echo chambers, and the increasing role of both traditional and new media in waging wars or influencing elections. Focusing on comparative cases from a historical perspective and the choices and ideas that informed the approaches of some of Africa's leaders, including guerrilla commanders Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, Nicole Stremlau offers a unique political insight into the development of contemporary media systems in Africa.

1. Introduction
2. Between authoritarian politics and free expression: Ethiopia
3. The emergence of an Ethiopian developmental model
4. Purging and politics: the challenges of institutional transformation
5. Media, elections and polarized politics: Uganda
6. The NRM and the decline of political ideology
7. A new vision for the rebuilding of state institutions
8. Media and opposition in single party politics
9. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Social law [LNT], IT & Communications law [LNQ], International communications & telecommunications law [LBDT], International law of transport, communications & commerce [LBD], International law [LB], Law & society [LAQ], Systems of law [LAF], Law [L]