A influência da comunicação social na formação da opinião pública e decisões políticas durante conflitos armados: um estudo comparativo entre a Guerra do Vietnã e a Invasão do Iraque em 2023

Abstract

This study investigates the role of social communication in shaping public opinion during the Vietnam War and the 2003 Iraq Invasion, focusing on how the media influenced perceptions and political decisions. The research compares the media's role in these two conflicts, highlighting the similarities and differences in how the media shaped public opinion and the resulting political consequences. Initially, media coverage in both conflicts supported the official government narratives, promoting a positive view of military interventions. However, as the conflicts dragged on, the media began to adopt a more critical stance. In Vietnam, the critical coverage following the Tet Offensive and combat images exposed the reality of the conflict, leading to a significant shift in American public opinion. In the Iraq Invasion, the lack of evidence of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the abuses at Abu Ghraib undermined the credibility of the Bush administration, resulting in growing public opposition to the war. The management of information and narratives by the media impacted troop morale and public support. During Vietnam, critical coverage demoralized the American military effort and contributed to President Johnson's decision not to seek re-election. In the Iraq Invasion, media criticism influenced the 2006 midterm elections, leading to a Democratic victory and pressuring the Bush administration to begin troop withdrawal. This study confirms that media coverage can influence public opinion to the extent of affecting military engagement in armed conflicts. The research highlights the need for transparency and accuracy in government communications to maintain public trust and the integrity of military operations