Covering the Contesting Nations: Pakistan-India Relations in British and American Press

Abstract

This study has been conducted to explore and explicate the coverage of Pakistan-India relations in four of the mainstream British and American Press: The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The New York Times and The Washington Post. The topical coverage includes most of the charged issues and conflicts in the region —China Pakistan Economic Corridor, Kashmir issue, Line of Control Violation, Nuclear Program, Religious Issues, Terrorism and Water Issue. The study encompasses representation of Pakistan-India relation, also its integral dimensions, from January 2013 to December 2018. In this study a cluster of qualitative and quantitative content analysis techniques has been used. The triangulation has facilitated to develop a balanced critique by engaging with both the frequency and ferocity of the reportage. The theoretical framework is premised on the postulates culled from the agenda setting and framing theories. All the targeted and identified categories have been systematically tabulated and discussed. The results showed that the American Press covered more stories regarding Pakistan-India relations as compared to the British Press. Moreover, the American Press coverage has been favorable, whereas the British Press has more unfavorable and neutral coverage of Pakistan India relations. Thus, having explicated the schema of the Anglo-American reportage of the South Asian conflicts, the study contributes to understanding of the international reception of the regional affairs.