Analysis of the reflection of the Karabakh crisis on the international media through Agenda-Setting Theory

The Karabakh conflict was singed in 1994 by the Treaty of Bishkek between Azerbaijan and Armenia through Russia. There have been numerous violations in the declaration since then. Although, it was thought that the reason fort he conflict that took place before this ceasefire was due to the territorial dispute of the two newly established states. In fact, the Karabakh problem between the two sides remained unsolved, despite many proposals to reach a solution. Among the reasons for this problem experienced by the parties, factors suc as 'distrust towards each other, loss of identity, fear, threat, revenge, perception of hostility' are shown. However, on September 27,2020, the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict between the two countries resurfaced. While it lasted exactly 44 days, the ceasefire agreement was approved on November 10, with Russia's mediation. This process has taken its place in the World public opinion by taking place in the international press. In the study, the handling of the news texts of the Karabakh crisis in the international press organs CNN, BBC and Sputnik between April 1and December 13, 2020 was analyzed. While examining the news, Agenda Setting Theory, one of the Mass Communication Theories, was used. The purpose of this study is to realiz that the news in the international press in 2020 related to the subject are not handled through Agenda Setting Theory. As a result of the analysis, the subject took place mostly in the Sputnik news, but at least in the CNN news. As a result of this study, although the tripartite press group wanted to maintain its neutrality, it was concluded that they still did not have enough information about the problem between them as much as the literatüre. However, there have been some visible changes in the attitude of the public, just as the press handles the current situation.