A. H. SHAHUMYAN, Applicant, Institute of Philosophy, Sociology and Law, NAS, RA

SUMMARY

The analysis carried out suggests a dynamic link between public opinion and policy, depending on the level of democracy, institutional mechanisms, and party control. In democratic states, public opinion can guide policy, while in authoritarian systems, it is often either controlled, or ignored in cases when it does not threaten the stability of the regime. Notably, in security decision-making public sentiments can act as a source of political legitimacy or as a pressure factor for the change in policy course. This relationship is most evident at the time of elections, social movements, and attempts targeted at ensuring the legitimacy.

Mass media and public opinion act as complementary forces in security policy decision-making. As an “agenda-setting” force, mass media convey and reshape political messages, disseminating condensed versions of particular facts or comments. In their turn, citizens, by way of forming their attitudes upon this information, can exert direct or indirect influence on security policy.