Assessing leader credibility during a peace process: Rabin's private polls

Article Abstract:

This article examines the role of public opinion surveys in the making of turning-point decisions (TPDs) that lead to peace between enemies. We present hitherto unpublished data from private polls prepared for Yitzhak Rabin in order to gauge public opinion regarding the Oslo peace process. In analyzing these data we suggest a theoretical model that outlines the role of public opinion in policymaking. The model considers Holsti's (1996) four major parameters within the pre-Oslo framework: the issue facing the decisionmaker; the decisionmaker's beliefs in and sensitivity to public opinion; the political and social context of the decision; and the stage of policymaking. We find support for propositions regarding a paradoxical process characterizing Rabin's policy. Rabin used public opinion polls to gauge the public's support for him as a leader and for taking hawkish decisions, termed credibility-building decisions (CBD). These decisions, though seemingly detrimental to the peace process, were perceived as necessary in order to maintain Rabin's image as a tough-minded leader who would bring peace with the Palestinians without sacrificing security. We suggest that public opinion surveys may be important in monitoring the effects of CBDs on the credibility of a leader whose goal is to move a peace process forward in a time of uncertainty and threat.

Israel, Behavior, Israeli foreign relations, Military policy, Middle East Peace Talks, 1991-, Rabin, Yitzhak, Palestine Liberation Organization

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Some non-Western perspectives on international relations

Article Abstract:

Non-Western radical political writing deals with the themes of struggle and emancipation instead of economic growth and peace. This militant world view is but a reflection of the social climate in non-Western areas, which is observed to be deprived and exploited by the more economically powerful Western nations. To these radical thinkers, the West is imposing its culture and commercialism to further widen the gap between the developed and non-developed or still developing countries.

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Media framing and foreign policy: The elite press vis-a-vis US policy in Bosnia, 1992-95

Article Abstract:

The role of the press in shaping the United States foreign policy towards an international crisis is assessed. The scope of attention, positions, and metaframes used by the Washington Post and New York Times, as well as the US administration's announcements, in relation to the Bosnian crisis in its different stages are examined.

United States, Bosnia-Herzegovina, International politics, Evaluation, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Press and politics, Foreign policy, Bosnia and Herzegovina foreign relations

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