Exploring Palestinian Resistance and Anti-Imperialist Solidarity through the Lens of Media

Abstract

The present study aims to tackle two central questions and those are the representations of Palestinian resistance in the media sphere in a specific period from the early 1960s to the early 80s. In other words, the thesis strives to analyse the question of how media can act as a weapon of resistance alongside armed struggle in a public media sphere whereby imperialism, Zionism and capitalism are hegemonic. Another question, the study examines is how media can build anti-imperialist solidarity and form bridges with sister liberation struggles. These research questions are significant as we are witnessing in our present day the role social media plays in documenting Palestinian resistance and mobilizing masses to support it under the slogan of anti-imperialist solidarity. With regards to the methodology, a qualitative approach is followed whereby a sample of Palestinian revolutionary posters and magazines are used and subject to textual and visual analysis. Data analysed relies on the themes and socio-political contexts from which the posters emerged alongside the language and symbols present. The findings show us that posters played a colossal role in mobilising masses to join the Palestinian revolution and built bridges with anti-imperialist liberation struggles across the Global South. In conclusion, we can use this research to fill gaps in existing literature, understand tools that shape media ideologies and use new media forms to represent Palestinian resistance and build solidarity networks.