Mass communication and diplomacy: A theoretical framework

This study offer 6 conceptual models that serve in defining and analyzing t he role of the media in contemporary diplomacy. Divided into 2 groups, the first 3 models-secret diplomacy, closed-door diplomacy and open diplomacy-d eal with limitations officials impose on media coverage and the degree to w hich negotiations are exposed to the media and public opinion. The models i n the second group-public diplomacy, media diplomacy, and media-broker dipl omacy-deal with extensive utilization of the media by officials and sometim es by journalists to promote negotiations. The closed-door and the media-br oker models are comprehensively presented here for the first time. The othe r 4 models, although previously defined, have undergone serious revision in this study. This article demonstrates the analytical usefulness of the mod els through applications to various examples and case studies of significan t contemporary diplomatic processes.