An analysis of the relationship between peace and communication

Includes bibliographical references (pages [82]-87).This thesis examined the question, "What is the nature of the relationship between peace and communication?" Taxonomies of communication strategies were presented. Historical and critical methods were used. Scholarly journals were reviewed to assess current knowledge about peace communication. Contemporary rhetorical theorists? definitions of rhetoric were examined for possible application to peace communication. Mission statements of organizations that promote peace were analyzed. Types of organizations surveyed included governmental, nongovernmental, for-profit and nonprofit, religious, and cyberspace organizations. Popular periodicals related to peace were surveyed for content about communication. A total of 116 articles were surveyed for content and classified by title. Articles discussing collective action were the most numerous. Discussion also considered topics not often covered by popular press. Communication strategies that appeared consistently throughout the discourse were discussed. Peace was found to have a multiplicity of meanings partially dependent on cultural interpretations. Communication strategies that tolerate ambiguity in meaning were presented. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research were given.M.S. (Master of Science