By every indication, the global human society is entering a period of change of historical proportio

1
By every indication, the global human society is
entering a period of change of historical
proportion. Some call it the era of limited
resources some see it as the start of the new
world economic order, some call it the
communication age, or the postindustrial society
or the information age but nearly every
discipline and sector of society sense the shift
taking place. By whatever name, we are moving
along a trajectory leading to a global human
culture in which events across the world affect
us with the same speed and impact as if they
happened next door. Representative George E.
Brown (D-California). Hatchen, page 3, Fifth
edition.
2

• Globalization is not simply a trend or a fad but
  is, rather, an international system, that has
  replaced the old Cold war system, and like that
  Cold War itself, globalization has its own rules
  and logic that today directly or indirectly
  influence the politics, environment, geopolitics
  and economics of virtually every country in the
  world.
• Thomas L. Friedman, The Lexus and the Olive Tree
• Hatchen, page 3, Sixth edition.

3
Why study International communication?

• Globalization is a reality today?
• Environmental problems know no boundaries
• Consequences of population explosion are not
  limited to one country.
• We live in an interdependent world (at least
  economically)
• Americans are not as well informed about
  international affairs? ??
• (Has that changed since Sept. 11?)

4
Why study International communication?

• Younger generation of Americans is ill prepared
  to tackle global problems.
• Media is more of an influence today than formal
  education in teaching about global problems?
• (US) coverage of international events is very
  limited
• Media images are hastening the process of
  international communication and the world
• Examples, events of 1989?

5
Some reasons/effects of/for inequalities in
information dissemination?

• Illiteracy
• Poverty and over population in the developing
  countries
• Food
• Pollution
• World monetary (economic) system
• Military expenditure (proportionately)

6
Significance of foreign news

• Foreign news is crucial to
• Gauge our reaction to how our government(s)
  respond(s) to those events
• Understand the impact of foreign policy on our
  lives. Currently, most attention goes to
  man-made or natural disasters in foreign nations.
• Get US citizens interested in the world events.
  In 1990 only 20 of US citizens follow
  international news, a serious decline from 80 in
  1980.