Ready… Ready… Drop

A Content Analysis of Coalition Leaflets Used in the Iraq War

Bibliographic Data

ID17211793
AuthorsAndrew M Clark (0000-0002-7906-8678, University of Texas at Arlington Department of Communication, corresponding author), Thomas Christie (The University of Texas at Arlington, corresponding author), Thomas B Christie (University of Texas at Arlington Department of Communication)
Year2005
Volume67
Issue2
Pages141-154
Publication date2005-02-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGazette (Leiden Netherlands (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0016-5492 • E-ISSN: 1460-3594
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0016549205050128
OpenAlexW2009210755
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited8

This content analysis of coalition leaflets dropped in Iraq during the recent war is viewed through a framework developed to analyze government international communication efforts to affect international public opinion and policy support. Under the framework, such messages have three main functions: survival, countering disinformation and facilitative communication. The study’s hypothesis that most leaflets would have ‘survival’ messages is supported. Such messages have the strongest potential to influence public opinion, based on the positive effects of limiting casualties and ensuring economic survival. Messages countering disinformation address enemy propaganda, and messages used for facilitative communication create a friendly atmosphere. The study also analyzed intended audiences and categorized specific leaflet messages. The study is useful in understanding the nature and effectiveness of government efforts to influence public opinion during times of crisis or war

Adversary · Advertising · Business · Computer security · Disinformation · Government (linguistics) · Internet privacy · Limiting · Political science · Politics · Public opinion · Public relations · Social media · Computer Science · Engineering · Law · Media Influence and Politics

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