Philip Seib Books

A war’s outcome is determined by more than bullets and bombs. In our digital age, the proliferation of new media venues has magnified the importance of information – whether its content is true or purposely false – in battling an enemy and defending the public. In this book, Philip Seib, one of the world’s leading experts on media and war, offers a probing analysis of the role of information in warfare from the Second World War to the present day and beyond. He focuses on some of the thorniest issues on the contemporary agenda: When untruthful and inflammatory information poisons a nation’s political processes and weakens its social fabric, what kind of response is appropriate? How can media literacy help citizens defend themselves against information warfare? Should militaries place greater emphasis on crippling their adversaries with information rather than kinetic force? Well-written and wide-ranging, Information at War suggests answers to key questions with which governments, journalists, and the public must grapple during the years ahead. Information at war affects us all, and this book shows us how.

An exploration of how news coverage shapes the design and implementation of foreign policy. By influencing the attitudes of opinion-shaping elites and the public, the news media can affect the conduct of foreign policy. Seib's text analyzes examples of press influence on foreign affairs.

The book delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists in their interactions with politicians, offering a comprehensive examination of the dynamics at play in political journalism. It explores the processes behind candidate selection, the verification of political advertising, and the challenges of election night reporting. Key themes include the responsibilities of reporters, the importance of character assessment, and the impact of polls and endorsements. This text serves as a critical resource for understanding the complexities of political communication and the media's role in democracy.

The book delves into how new media influences lives and politics across various global contexts. Scholars analyze diverse topics, including women's rights and terrorism, while highlighting the effects of communication technologies in regions such as Israel and Saudi Arabia. Through their insights, the authors uncover the significant implications of information dissemination on societal and political dynamics worldwide.

Focusing on the evolution of Anglo-American relations, Philip Seib explores the impact of post-Cold War changes, including NATO's restructuring and the EU's rising significance. He provides a historical overview of U.S.-U.K. ties and delves into contemporary security, economic, and cultural issues, alongside the collaborative efforts in peacebuilding, particularly in Northern Ireland. Additionally, Seib proposes strategies to enhance these relationships as the new millennium approaches, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation.

Never before has diplomacy evolved at such a rapid pace. It is being transformed into a global participatory process by new media tools and newly empowered publics. Public diplomacy has taken center-stage as diplomats strive to reach and influence audiences that are better informed and more assertive than any in the past.

Terrorist organizations have become media-centric enterprises, while also hijacking a world religion, holding large swaths of physical territory, and governing their own virtual states. Focusing on the linkages between media, religion, and governance, this book provides a sophisticated account of terrorism's ongoing evolution.