Looking back on my time in the Media and Politics minor, I realize how much it has changed how I think. The transformative power and influence of media in shaping public thought and disseminating ideas is a phenomenon that never ceases to inspire awe. Its role in influencing global and local perceptions is a testament to its unparalleled influence. Media has been pivotal in defining how nations interact and how they are perceived on the world stage. A clear example of this dynamic is Qatar, a small Arab state in the Middle East. It has strategically utilized media to advance its image, influence public diplomacy, and respond to external challenges. Despite its size, Qatar's strategic media use has enabled it to assert itself internationally and effectively counter negative narratives, particularly in the face of attempts to damage its reputation.
This brings us to a broader reflection on the role of media in a globalized world, where it serves not only as a platform for public diplomacy but also as a tool in international relations. Media has an unparalleled power to shape perceptions and construct compelling narratives about global events. More importantly, it can amplify marginalized voices in today’s digital age, fostering dialogue between conflicting parties and paving the way for positive change. However, censorship and other tactics can also manipulate media and silence dissent. These dualities, empowering some while suppressing others, underline the complexity of media as both a tool of liberation and a means of control. By examining these tensions, we can better understand the profound impact of media on international relations and its potential to influence both global diplomacy and local realities.
A central theme in my studies has been the role of public diplomacy in shaping a country’s image. This was particularly evident in my Public Diplomacy course at Northwestern, where I learned how countries leverage soft power tools including media to achieve strategic goals. For instance, it is essential to consider how media outlets such as Al Jazeera significantly shape narratives. Even outlets responsible for reporting the news operate with agendas, whether consciously or not, influencing the events they choose to cover and how they present them to the public. While news reporting is ideally neutral, it is often shaped by political and strategic interests, making objectivity a challenging ideal.
Qatar’s strategic media use, primarily through Al Jazeera, has allowed it to position itself as a major player in shaping regional and global discourse. Launched in 1996, Al Jazeera quickly gained recognition for its independent and often critical reporting on Arab and international affairs, challenging the entrenched status quo in the Middle East and significantly influencing political change. Unlike many state-controlled media outlets in the region, Al Jazeera provided a platform for diverse, dissenting voices, investigative journalism, and nuanced coverage of key global events such as the Iraq War, the Arab Spring, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This made the network a powerful force in international media, challenging norms and contributing to a more complex and multifaceted media landscape.
However, Al Jazeera’s influence has not been without controversy. Several Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have accused it of spreading propaganda and inciting unrest. This animosity was a key factor in the 2017 Gulf crisis, a diplomatic and economic blockade imposed on Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt. The blockading countries demanded that Qatar shut down Al Jazeera as part of their conditions for restoring relations. This crisis highlighted the potential risks of Qatar's media strategy, as it became clear that not all countries would accept its narrative. However, it also demonstrated the resilience of Qatar's media strategy, as Al Jazeera continued to operate and maintain its influence despite the blockade.
My course on Sports Globalization in Africa examined how sports function as a political and cultural force. For example, African football was once seen as a colonial sport, yet it was redefined by local players, turning it into a symbol of nationalism and identity. Throughout my studies, I have realized how sports, politics, and media are deeply interconnected in shaping global narratives and power dynamics. While major sports like football are often perceived as purely entertainment, a deeper examination reveals that sports can be used as a political tool, particularly in the context of globalization. This became evident when Qatar, leveraging the international appeal of sports, became the first Middle Eastern country to host the FIFA World Cup. This decision was not just about celebrating football but was also a strategic move to showcase Qatar’s ability to wield soft power on the global sports stage.
Political scientist Joseph Nye coined soft power, which refers to a country’s ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force. By hosting the World Cup, Qatar shifted global attention toward its state-building efforts, cultural diplomacy, and aspirations to be a key player in international relations. The event promoted a narrative of modernization, progress, and regional leadership. However, Qatar also faced challenges in using sports as soft power. For example, when German players covered their mouths during a team photo in protest against FIFA’s ban on LGBTQ armbands, it demonstrated that global sporting events could also serve as platforms for political resistance. The Times of Israel (2022) reported, "Germany’s players covered their mouths for the team photo before their World Cup opener against Japan on Wednesday in protest at FIFA’s refusal to allow rainbow-themed armbands.” This incident underscored the complexities and limitations of using sports as a tool for political influence, particularly in a globalized media landscape.
Beyond sports, social media has become a key tool in shaping a country’s global brand. Platforms like Visit Qatar and Qatar Calendar use daily social media posts to promote Qatar’s culture, art, and heritage, reinforcing its international image. For example, Qatar’s International Food Festival, scheduled for February 2025, goes beyond promoting cuisine—it is part of a broader effort to position Qatar as a cultural hub. Similarly, the Qatar Museums Instagram account regularly features posts about the country's rich artistic heritage, while the Qatar National Library Twitter account shares updates about the country's commitment to education and knowledge. These are just a few examples of how media and public diplomacy efforts can shape political outcomes, often under the guise of artistic celebration.
Studying media and politics has also deepened my understanding of historical and contemporary conflicts. While the Cold War officially ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union, analyzing this period has helped me better understand modern geopolitical tensions, such as the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar. The blockade was not just about political control but also about shaping narratives through media and diplomacy. Qatar’s response, including its strategic media use and soft power initiatives, mirrors historical strategies used by states to project influence and counter adversarial portrayals.
The media battle during the blockade resembled Cold War-era propaganda, with both sides attempting to control the dominant narrative. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE used their state-controlled media to demonize Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism, Qatar countered with its own media diplomacy. Al Jazeera exposed the blockade’s political motivations, while social media diplomacy allowed Qatari officials and influencers to engage directly with global audiences. Just as Cold War propaganda shaped public perception of the U.S. and the Soviet Union, this media war shaped how the world viewed Qatar and its Gulf neighbors.
Looking back on my journey through the Media and Politics minor, I realize how much it has shaped my critical thinking and deepened my understanding of the relationship between media and global affairs. One of the most valuable insights I have gained is the recognition that media is never neutral. Political, economic, and social forces continually shape it. I now approach media consumption with a more analytical mindset, questioning narratives and considering the broader implications of media discourse.
This minor has also influenced my future aspirations beyond theoretical knowledge. I plan to apply the skills and insights I have gained to a career in media, public relations, or strategic communications, particularly in contexts where media is critical in diplomacy and international relations. Whether working in journalism, branding, or policy analysis, I aim to contribute to shaping responsible and impactful narratives.
Ultimately, studying media and politics has reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling, not just in news and entertainment but as a fundamental force shaping societies, perceptions, and global interactions. As I move forward, I plan to explore how media can foster meaningful dialogue, challenge misinformation, and contribute to a more informed and engaged public.