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Media effects: Do terrorist organizations launch foreign attacks in response to levels of press freedom or press attention?

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  • Victor Asal

    (Department of Political Science, SUNY Albany, USA)

  • Aaron M. Hoffman

    (Department of Political Science, Purdue University, USA)

Abstract

Terrorists are supposed to be influenced by opportunities for news coverage, but does this mean that groups initiate foreign attacks in response to the absence of press freedom in their country or inattention to that state by foreign media organizations? Using Asal and Rethmeyer’s BAAD1 data on terrorist organizations, we find that increasing levels of attention by the international press reduce the odds of groups launching cross-border attacks. The propensity of groups to launch foreign attacks appears unrelated to press freedom. These results suggest that the protections that states provide for the press motivate foreign terrorism less than the way the media determines newsworthiness.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor Asal & Aaron M. Hoffman, 2016. "Media effects: Do terrorist organizations launch foreign attacks in response to levels of press freedom or press attention?," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 33(4), pages 381-399, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:33:y:2016:i:4:p:381-399
    DOI: 10.1177/0738894215579622
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Rafat Mahmood & Michael Jetter, 2020. "Communications Technology and Terrorism," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 64(1), pages 127-166, January.

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    Keywords

    Media; press freedom; terrorism;
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