By Victor Enengedi
When we hear about conflicts between countries in far-off places, it’s easy to think it doesn’t affect us here, in Africa. This is similar to our perception of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. This time, like a few other times, we might be just wrong again. Here is why:
Many fail to understand that history has a repetitive nature. Iran and Israel have a history of conflicts that have impacted the distribution of oil in the region.
These tensions between the two countries could have broader implications for global energy markets and economies, including those of Israel’s allies such as the United States, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, etc. For instance, geopolitical instability, and diplomatic fallout, among others.
Sadly, many do not understand the consequences of war and why there is a need to pay attention to it. Perhaps, it isn’t just the lack of understanding, but the absence of information and the complexity of the idea of non-regional wars, and their impact on continents like Africa. This is where the media comes in.
The Crucial Role of the Media
With the geopolitical tensions, the role of the media is more important than ever. Here’s why media play a crucial role:
Providing Context and Analysis from a Media Literacy Approach: Media professionals play a pivotal role in providing context, analysis, and insights into these global events, helping audiences comprehend the broader implications for their lives and livelihoods.
Media outlets can shed light on its economic, security, and societal ramifications by providing context to the Iran-Israel conflict from a media literacy approach to reporting. For example, during the Gulf War in the early 1990s and the 1973 oil crisis, media coverage helped the public understand the economic impact of oil price spikes.
Advocating for Informed Decision-Making: Media serves as a platform for advocacy and dialogue, advocating for informed decision-making and proactive engagement on pressing issues such as regional conflicts. By amplifying these diverse voices, fostering critical discourse, and promoting cross-cultural understanding, the media can contribute to building resilient communities capable of collectively addressing global challenges.
Promoting Peace: Media can actively advocate for peace and conflict resolution by highlighting the voices of peacemakers and promoting dialogue between conflicting parties. Through editorial pieces, opinion columns, and investigative reports, journalists can raise awareness about the human cost of war and the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
How the Media Can Intervene Going Forward
To play the critical role of the people’s informant effectively, the media must adopt several strategies:
1. Emphasize Investigative Journalism: Deep, investigative reporting can help uncover the root causes of conflicts and highlight their human and economic impacts. This helps the public understand the stakes and motivates policymakers to seek solutions to these issues.
2. Utilizing Data and Expert Analysis: Leveraging data and expert opinions can provide more comprehensive and accurate reporting. This can help the audience grasp complex geopolitical issues and their critical implications.
3. Foster Cross-Cultural Dialogue: Promoting dialogue between different cultures and perspectives can help bridge divides and foster a better understanding of global conflicts. Media outlets should prioritize listening to diverse voices and viewpoints in their coverage.
4. Advocate for Peace and Conflict Resolution: Media should actively promote peacebuilding stories and conflict resolution, by highlighting successful diplomatic efforts and grassroots peace initiatives. These can inspire similar actions to be implemented.
5. Leverage Digital Platforms: Social media and other digital platforms can be powerful tools for spreading awareness and mobilizing support. Media organizations should harness these platforms to reach a wider audience and engage them in meaningful discussions.
Case Studies of Media Impact on Past Global or Continental Conflicts:
1. Vietnam War: The media coverage, particularly televised reports, played a significant role in shaping public opinion and eventually leading to widespread protests against the war in the United States. The vivid portrayal of the war’s brutality influenced the U.S. government’s decision to withdraw its troops.
2. Rwandan Genocide: The International media coverage of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994 helped bring global attention to the atrocities, prompting humanitarian intervention and aid efforts. The media’s role was crucial in mobilizing international response and support for the victims.
3. Arab Spring: The media’s influence during the Arab/First Arab Spring, especially that of social media platforms, was instrumental in the Arab Spring uprising across the Middle East and North Africa. Coverage of protests and government responses galvanized public support and international solidarity, leading to significant political changes in several countries.
These case studies highlight the strength of the media and our ability to shape public perception, drive critical policy responses, and advocate for peace. By providing clearer contexts for the public, promoting informed decision-making, and highlighting the human cost of conflicts, the media can help navigate the complexities of global geopolitical tensions and their far-reaching consequences.
At Legit.ng, in line with our mission to democratize news by helping our audience cut through the clutter of information on the internet, we have collectively taken it upon ourselves to ensure that every news piece is decluttered, and made easy for audience consumption. Our coverage of the Ukraine-Russian war, and the extent we went to, in getting a statement from President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, via an exclusive interview, helped Nigerians understand the impact of the war and its far-reaching consequences on the African economy and livelihood. READ ALSO:
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In this same report, Andriy Yermak, Head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, said Russia was creating an artificial food crisis by limiting its own exports and blocking Ukraine from exporting its grain and wheat. This helped Nigerians understand the consequences of grain and wheat blockade by Russia, on the continent, considering the reliance of countries like Nigeria on agricultural products exported from the Ukrainian ports to the continent.
In the same vein, an exclusive interview with Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Kholostenko Ivan with Legit.ng’s Head of Current Affairs and Politics, Nurudeen Lawal, brought to light, the extent of the widespread devastation caused by the war in Ukraine, and the potential significant threats to global food and energy security.
Going forward, the media must continue to prioritize its importance in simplifying these critical issues to the public by emphasizing investigative journalism, leveraging expert analysis, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, advocating for peace, and utilizing today’s digital platforms to maintain its crucial role and sharing of this simplified news content in our society.
