Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The very first volume (1937) of Public Opinion Quarterly contained an article called Cartoons. In the subsequent 45 years, according to the subject index 1937-1982, the leading journal on public opinion research had only two additional contributions on political cartoons. Scientific research on the character and influence of cartoons is marginal, at best. It can therefore be argued that it is time for a revival of the study of political cartoons in political science. Cartoons can be studied as representations of and critical comments on major political events. Cartoons reflect public opinion, contribute to this opinion and may even influence it. According to some, political cartoonists have contributed to the alleged rise in political cynicism at the mass level. In this paper an analysis is presented of political cartoons in the Netherlands. The focus is on the over 250 cartoons that were published during the election campaign of 2006. It will be shown that many of these pictures individually as well as the collective body of cartoons tell an interesting story about Dutch elections, the perception of politicians and politics in general.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: On November 3, 2007, Pakistan’s President General Musharraf announced a state of emergency throughout his country. He argued that this step was necessary to address the “activities of extremists and incidences of terrorist attacks,” while others suggested

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: none provided

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study used Bormann�s symbolic convergence theory to explore the extent to which an ideology of openness is present in social understandings of interpersonal relationships. Qualitative content analysis of 47 issues of 21 magazines published during November and December of 2006 yielded four broad themes: (a) the meanings and forms taken by openness and closedness, (b) the functions served by openness and closedness, and (c) the valence attributed to openness and closedness.

Publication Type: Paper (prepared oral presentation)
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Previous studies have successfully employed thematic content analysis to predict (both prospectively and retrospectively) the onset of war, the lasting of peace, as well as the launching of surprise attacks (Suedfeld & Bluck, 1988; Suedfeld, Tetlock, & Ramirez, 1977). Significant decreases in integrative complexity are reliably found in the speeches of national leaders 2-3 months prior to the commencement of hostilities. Conversely, when complexity is maintained or increases bilaterally, peace is the modal outcome. The predictive power of integrative complexity is enhanced when paired with analyses of power motive imagery (Winter, 1991).
Recently, this approach was taken in an analysis of the long-term rivalry between India and Pakistan (Suedfeld & Jhangiani, in press). Across three official wars (in 1947, 1965, and 1971), one armed conflict (in 1998-99), and several relatively peaceful periods in-between, the earlier findings were replicated.
In the present study, the speeches and statements of the heads of government of Pakistan and India made between September and December, 2008 are coded for integrative complexity and power motive imagery. Results, implications, and future directions are discussed.