The book highlights the effect of the media on the formation of public opinion and the extent to which the latter influences the making of foreign policy.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 323-328) and index.

The Crimea, 1854-1856 -- Late victoriana -- The Great War, 1914-1918 -- The Second World War, 1939-1945 -- The Asian connection: Korea and Vietnam -- Suez, 1956 -- Ireland: the longest feud in Europe -- The Falklands War, 1982 -- The wounded giant: the United States, 1980-1989 -- The Gulf War against Iraq, 1991 -- Somalia, 1992-1993 -- The Balkan tragedy, 1991-1996 -- Conclusions.