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A timelier authorisation and deployment of a peacekeeping operation is possible if the media warn on the signs of a looming humanitarian crisis. Given media's ability to transmit information; produce publicly constituted surveillance processes and influence public opinion, they can equally recognise a humanitarian crisis earlier; reach the public in a timelier fashion and inspire popular pressure to deploy a peacekeeping operation. In support of this book, a number of primary and secondary tools were used, including 21 books; a survey and a set of interviews were conducted and four case studies, namely the humanitarian crises in Somalia, Bosnia, Rwanda, and FYROM were analysed and compared in terms of their degree of media coverage and how this affected a prompt or delayed peacekeeping operation deployment in each of these cases. In conclusion, Media is indeed a nerve center and a muscle when it comes to raising awareness. It may not be able to cure a disease, but can warn on the first stages of a disease before it becomes incurable.
About the author
Dr. Vassilia Orfanou is a seasoned media & communications professional with 17 years of experience in the Tourism, IT, financial, legal & media sectors, having covered both the EU & US markets. She has a PhD in International Relations & Media from the Geneva School of Diplomacy, an MA in Diplomacy-IR & a MA in Strategic Communications & Leadership.
