What is the role of the media of mass communication in inter-state relations? Why do they draw so much attention in cooling down major inter-state conflicts, such as for example, India-Pakistan? How can the mass media contribute in moving a peace of mutual hatred to one of mutual trust?

These are some of the question dwelt in this book.

An attempt is made to present mass media as an indicator for intensities in trust or tension in inter-state relations and as a possible source for inducing trust. If the mass media of the countries engaged in inter-state conflicts present a two-sided version of the issues on a reciprocal basis rather than their own and one-sided, the process might help to establish effective communication and trust between the two.

Reciprocal escalation is the consequence of two countries trying to influence each other by threats of demonstrated credibility. As the level of trust in the deterrence capability of an opponent decreases it is likely that one of the two will take initiative in escalating the tensions or in initiating border clashes.

As credibility or trust between the parties to a conflict decreases and the volume of direct communication falls, the countries increasingly use their respective mass media through which to pur out their feelings of frustration and hostility.