THE MURKY MIX OF MEDIA, PUBLIC OPINION, AND POLICYMAKING

We as American citizens have to re-evaluate ... the information we're getting from social media to inform our understanding of foreign policy and world events. A constructive relationship between policymakers and the public is an important enabler for national security policy. When public opinion opposes options that an Administration wishes or needs to consider, that can constrain national action. From the advent of e-mail and round-the-clock cable news coverage a quarter-century ago to today's social media, the avenues available to the public are increasing. What does this mean for policymakers now and in the future? Addressing questions of media and public opinion are Naval War College Fellow for National Security Affairs Samantha Taylor and U.S. Army War College Professor of Strategy Jacqueline E. Whitt. Samantha A. Taylor is a Post-doctoral Fellow of National Security Affairs at the Naval War College. Jacqueline E. Whitt is the Professor of Strategy at the U.S. Army War College and the WAR ROOM Podcast Editor. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo: U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Fox, Commander Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2), is interviewed by a CNN reporter in the ship’s hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV 64), following a mission over Iraq. Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Prince A. Hughes III