One Face for the Nation, Another for the World : Dual-Track Propaganda, State Media Framing and the Construction of Regime Legitimacy During the Rohingya Genocide

Sammanfattning

This thesis examines how Myanmar’s state-run print media employed a strategy of dual-track audience management during the 2016–17 Rohingya Genocide.Conducting a comparative frame analysis of the English-language Global New Light of Myanmar (GNLM) and the Burmese-language Kyemon, the study examines how differing narratives and framings were constructed for international and domestic audiences respectively. Drawing on theories of media framing, securitization, and authoritarian crisis communication, the thesis argues that Myanmar’s state media simultaneously sought to legitimize violence against the Rohingya domestically while preserving regime legitimacy internationally. Methodologically, the study utilizes qualitative comparative media analysis and frame analysis of articles published during key periods of violence in October-November 2016 and August-September 2017. Articles were coded according to dominant thematic frames, including security, humanitarianism, development, and international legitimacy. Descriptive statistics regarding article placement, prominence, and frequency were also incorporated to support the analysis. Findings suggest significant divergences between the two newspapers. Kyemon was more likely to frame the Rohingya as security threats, emphasizing terrorism, invasion, and national defense, thereby contributing to the securitization of the Rohingya and legitimize violence against them. Conversely, GNLM emphasized indiscriminate humanitarianism, international cooperation, and governmental concern, presenting a sanitized image of the Myanmar state to external audiences. The thesis concludes that these differing narratives may have formed part of a coordinated propaganda strategy designed to maximize regime legitimacy with both audiences during the perpetration of genocidal violence.