The document discusses the relationship between media and democracy, particularly focusing on the significance of the First Amendment in protecting free speech and the press. It examines the influence of the President's comments on media public perception and the implications of social media in U.S. foreign policy, highlighting both its advantages and potential risks. A crisis simulation scenario is presented to explore various stakeholders' responses to media usage by terrorist groups.

1. Media and Foreign Policy
Josh Gellers, PhD
March 8, 2018

2. Sound Off!
• What do you think about when you hear
the word “media”?
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3. Media and Democracy
• “Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom
of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the
people peaceably to assemble, and to petition
the Government for a redress of grievances.”
– 1st Amd. to the U.S. Constitution (1791)
• What does it say about a country when it has
legal protections for free speech and the
press?
• Why might it be important to protect free
speech?
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4. POTUS and the Press
• How do the President’s comments about the media
relate to the 1st Amendment?
• What impacts might the President’s remarks have
on public interest in or confidence in the free press?
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5. Unintended Consequences
• How should society weigh the value of
information versus the risks of publicity?
9/11/2001
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6. The Dark Side of Media
Recruiting for Terrorist Groups Spreading false or fake news
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7. Social Media and Foreign Policy
• Social media is a relatively inexpensive way of
communicating information and letting the
audience do most of the work
• Twitter has become the main platform of
choice for world leaders and foreign ministries
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8. Social Media and U.S. Foreign Policy
• Should the President of the United States
conduct foreign policy using social media?
• What are the benefits or drawbacks?
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9. Media Crisis Simulation
• Scenario: A new terrorist group, Shadow
Knights, has turned to Twitter to broadcast live
executions and recruit new members. How do
you respond if you are one of the following
actors?
– Twitter executives concerned about stock value
– A major media conglomerate with a substantial
social media following
– President of the United States
– A civil society group focused on protecting free
speech
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