By Nhaya Vaidya

Abstract: Media coverage and its impact on conflict duration are topics that have received limited attention in the field of international relations literature. While various factors influence the duration of civil wars, the role of domestic media coverage has been overlooked. As citizens primarily rely on domestic media outlets for news and information, the content they consume can shape their actions and, consequently, the trajectory of a civil war. Additionally, the rise of social media as a primary information source for younger generations has further transformed the media landscape and its potential influence on conflict dynamics, as observed during events such as the Arab Spring. This paper explores the role of media, specifically domestic media sources and their framing of coverage (e.g., peace journalism or war journalism), in shaping conflict duration. It also examines the impact of social media reporting, particularly citizen journalism on platforms like Twitter, by analyzing domestic Tweets during the Arab Spring. By addressing the question of how domestic conflict coverage by the media affects conflict duration in civil wars, this paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the interplay between media and conflict dynamics.