Description
Book SynopsisIn 1990, Nicaragua''s Sandinista government was toppled in an election that every major American news organization and pollster predicted they would win in a landslide. Why the Nicaraguan upset and why did the U.S. media get it so wrong? Through an examination of American coverage of Nicaragua since the Cuban Revolution, Why Nicaragua Vanished provides intriguing answers to these questions, and for the first time tests media coverage of a major foreign policy crisis against an independent analysis of the events covered. Robert S. Leiken offers valuable insights into how the media shapes Americans'' opinions about the world, and in the process he challenges American cultural stereotypes. Beautifully written, Why Nicaragua Vanished is perfect for all interested in the media, foreign policy, Latin America, or U.S. intellectual life.
Trade ReviewWhat really happened in Nicaragua? Robert Leiken analyzes the shocking misreporting of American journalists and their failure to understand why the Sandinistas lost in 1990. Written with verve and calm, his account will open your eyes to a parade of media stereotypes. Though not an angry book, it will make a reasonable person angry. -- Harvey C. Mansfield, Harvard University
Robert Leiken has been seeking and telling the truth about events in Nicaragua for more than 20 years. Not everyone else has done so. Here is his report on what he has learned, and what everyone interested in Nicaragua should know. -- Michael Barone, senior writer, U.S. News & World Report, and co-author of The Almanac of American Politics
Provides intriguing answers to these questions and for the first time tests media coverage of a major foreign policy crisis against an independent analysis of the events covered. Beautifully written, Why Nicaragua Vanished is perfect for all interested in the media, foreign policy, Latin America, or U.S. intellectual life. * Sir Read Alot Book Review *
The book is highly detailed, and often persuasive. * Columbia Journalism Review *
Robert Leiken has produced a masterpiece of serious scholarship, sound reasoning, and lucid writing. His detailed examination of media bias should have a profound impact on the way Americans view news coverage of foreign policy, and, one hopes, on the way journalists view themselves. -- Robert Kagan, author of A Twilight Struggle: American Power and Nicaragua, 1977?1990
Table of ContentsChapter 1 An Election Stunner Chapter 2 Nicaragua: A Test of the News Chapter 3 Cohorts: Vietnam and the New Foreign Correspondent Chapter 4 Media Studies Chapter 5 An "All-American-Style Election" Chapter 6 The "Authentic Expression of Nationalism" Chapter 7 Shaking the Imperial Frame Chapter 8 A New Correspondent in Nicaragua Chapter 9 The Media Presentation of the Sandinistas, 1978-79 Chapter 10 Sandinista Popularity and the Nicaragua News Frame, 1979-89 Chapter 11 The Media Presentation of the "Contras" 1981-87 Chapter 12 The System of Stereotypes Chapter 13 Fear and Crowds in the 1990 Campaign Chapter 14 Polls, Press, Professors and "Americo-Centrism" Chapter 15 Who Failed the Test? Chapter 16 Epilogue Chapter 17 Appendix A Chapter 18 Appendix B Chapter 19 Appendix C
