The Importance of the Media in the Context of the Soft Power and Public Diplomacy for the Struggle Against to International Terrorism

One of the major topics of international relations discipline is international terrorism. Although international terrorism is not a new problem it is still a most important issue that threatens international security in last years especially after the September 11. In 2001, when the attacks occurred, the US was the biggest force in the world and has all kinds of military and economic capabilities. So, why did it not possible to prevent such an attack? And why has the US become the target of such an attack? These questions have been an important milestone in the struggle against international terrorism. After that, the methods used until then have been started to be discuss. In this study, first of all, it is stated that the hard power approach, which is expressed as the traditional approach to the struggle against international terrorism, and which uses only military elements, will not be sufficient. It is explained that soft power policies to be supported by different public diplomacy tools will play an important role in this struggle. Finally, the role and importance of the media as an important public diplomacy tool in the struggle against international terrorism is emphasized.