PUBLIC OPINION AND NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY

In: Public opinion quarterly: journal of the American Association for Public Opinion Research, Band 20, Heft 2, S. 371-378

Abstract

Control of national security policy by PO is particularly difficult for several reasons. On the one hand, the highly technical nature of the problems involved makes it difficult for the public to judge the issues intelligently, & the necessary secrecy regarding military plans deprives such judgments of all serious factual basis. On the other hand, the general public, under the influence of tabloids & other mass media, Is inclined to be unduly passive when nothing spectacular is happening, & panicky when it should be calm. In view of these limitations on public participation in decisions regarding security, special interest groups often exercise an excessive influence in this field. The forces which can limit the impact of special interest & overcome indifference & panic are the attentive public, the U's & Coll's which train it & the quality media which inform it. The situation could, however, be improved by a program of educ designed to familiarize the attentive public with military problems, & to create a mil leadership capable of organizing & articulating the issues in public debate. IPSA.