International Communication: Definition & Scope of

As a field study, International Communications focuses attention on the overall process through which data and information flows through the state borders. The subject is explored not just the stream itself, but also the current structure is formed, the actors involved in it, means used, the effects, as well as the underlying motivation.

Judging from the culprit, international communication can be seen as divided between:

1. Official Transaction, which is government-run communication activities.

2. Unofficial Transaction or also called transnational interactions, namely communication activities involving non-governmental parties.

Government, as one of the main actors of international communication, running a number of measures that affect the position of the state he represents in the international political arena. The government can run the steps that direct political effect, such as diplomacy and propaganda; or indirect impact measures, such as: promoting international education.

International communication activities can take place between people to people or the Government to government. Markham (1970) states, which were observed in the primary unit of international communication is the interaction between two or more countries that are Mass Mediated Communication.

Strictly speaking, international communication is the study of various kinds of Mass Mediated Communication between two or more countries of different cultural backgrounds. Background differences may be differences in ideology, culture, economic development, and language differences.

Criteria for International Communication

There are three criteria that distinguish international communication with other komuniksai form:

1. This type of issue, the message is global.

2. Communicators and komunikannya different nationalities.

3. Media channels are used is international.

With such criteria, international communication can be defined also as "a communication interaction and scope of cross-country and takes place between people of different nationalities and has a range of delivery of messages across the boundaries of the territory of a country".

Focus Study

The focus of the study of international communication at first is the study of the flow of information between countries and in emerging development study of propaganda.

The existence of international communication paradigm shift from the Free Flow Information Flow Information manjadi Free and cause start growing focus of international communication studies include the study of media imperialism, globalization, privatization, the information age.

In line with the changing paradigm of international communication flows began to appear also Global Communication Order, or that we are familiar with "order a new world of communication and information". The emergence of this discourse is triggered from the emergence of third world leaders who are beginning to realize that the paradigm of international communication Free Flow Information was not the free flow of information is balanced. In fact the information flow more freely develop into the flow north to south and west to east but there is no balanced information flow from east to west or from south to north.

Contemporary phenomenon of international communication that can be observed today, is how the relationship between states is increasingly dynamic with the development of information technology. Many of the problems between countries are discussed in the frame of international communication, which not only political and security issues. Environmental issues, welfare, now also a common problem among many countries. In fact, sometimes there is one problem which is discussed in a global society in the global dialogue of civil society, such as the problem of terrorism.This issue is no longer a problem in fact is the government or state, but has become a community problem.

International Communications Function

1. Mendinamisasikan an international relationship that exists between two or more countries in various fields as well as the relationships between groups of different countries / nationalities.

2. Assist / support the efforts of goal achievement on international relations by enhancing international cooperation and prevent conflict or misunderstanding between the government and the government and between populations.

3. Is a technique to support the implementation of foreign policy for each country to fight for the attainment of interests in another country. (Brawijaya.ac.id).

Scope

International communication can be studied from three perspectives: diplomatic, journalistic, and propagandistik.

1. Diplomatic Perspectives.

Commonly done in interpersonal or small group (small group) through diplomatic channels; direct communication between senior state officials to cooperate or resolve conflicts, maintain bilateral or multilateral relations, strengthen the bargaining position, or improve reputation. Performed at the press conference, political meetings or dinner parties.

2. Perspective Journalism.

Conducted through mass media channels. Because the information flow is dominated countries, no assessment of international communication in this perspective dominated by developed countries, developed countries also serve as a tool of control over social forces that controlled political power in international politics. Lord of the flow of information to the gatekeeper that controls the flow of communication.This jug journalistic path is often used for propaganda purposes with the aim of changing the policies and interests of a country or weaken the position of state opponent.

2. Propaganda perspective.

Generally done through the mass media, aimed at instilling the idea into the minds of the people of other countries and accelerated so strongly that affects thoughts, feelings, and actions; acquisition or expansion of support, sharpen or alteration of attitude and outlook towards an idea or event or a foreign policy certain. Propaganda is the most powerful instrument to give effect.

As a result of international communication in the perspective of this propaganda, the international community currently living with travail detente, also "holy war" (George N. Gordon, an expert on international communication) .*

Reference: Deddy Djamaluddin Malik et al. [Ed). 1993. International Communications.London: Youth Rosdakarya; Communications International, www.brawijaya.ac.id.; Ingrid Volkmer, International Communication Theory in Transition: Parameters of the New Global Public Sphere, www.web.mit.edu. Copyright © HSA. Romli, www.romeltea.co.nr .*