Commandeering the Public Voice: Government and Media

The role of the state in supporting avenues of public expression during the emergence of the public sphere in the 17th century has remained relatively unexplored. A historical analysis of this role will allow us to better examine current interactions between the state and the public sphere. By examining primary documents from 17th century France in the original language, and television and newspapers during the Arab Spring in both Morocco and Egypt, we explored how government can maintain control of the public as long as its image remains that of a benevolent and protective body. However, when the government loses the trust of the people, by too obviously fabricating the news or acting too slowly, no amount of media intervention can protect it from revolution. We pay particular attention to the point where the public becomes aware of this fabrication. The importance of this connection between early modern history and history that is still unfolding as this research is being done is clear. Understanding how media can affect countries, revolutions, and individuals sheds light on the politics that exist around us.