Big Tech, Media Convergence, and U.S. Foreign Policy Shaping Global Narratives in the Post-9/11 Era: The Case of the Arab Spring in Egypt and Syria
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Date
2025-07
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UNIVERSITY OF MOHAMED BOUDIAF- M’SILA
Abstract
Abstract
This dissertation explores the convergence of Big Tech, traditional media, and U.S. foreign policy in shaping global narratives, with a focus on the Arab Spring uprisings in Egypt and Syria (2010–2012). This study examines how these influential actors collaborate, both explicitly and implicitly, to construct and disseminate narratives that align with U.S. geopolitical interests. Through a critical discourse analysis (CDA) framework, supported by Herman and Chomsky’s “Manufacturing Consent” model, this thesis deconstructs media texts and official U.S. statements to reveal linguistic strategies and structural filters that reinforce ideological assumptions. The analysis of four New York Times articles and the rhetoric of U.S. officials demonstrates stark differences in the narrative framing of Egypt and Syria, reflecting broader strategic agendas. This study argues that Big Tech’s algorithmic amplification and media editorial authority, when aligned with U.S. foreign policy, form a unified apparatus of soft power capable of influencing international perception. This dissertation advocates for new governance frameworks that address the ethical and political challenges posed by this convergence, emphasising the need to protect democratic discourse and media independence in an increasingly digital geopolitical landscape.
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Keywords
Keywords: Big Tech, Traditional Media, U.S. Foreign Policy, Arab Spring, Global Narratives.