Comparative analysis of Eastern and Western cultures crisis communication methods within the Israel-Gaza conflict

Abstract

This study examines the differences in crisis communication strategies between Eastern and Western media in their coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Using framing theory and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions as analytical frameworks, this research explores how victimhood, conflict escalation, and resolution are presented in news narratives. The findings indicate that Eastern media employ highly emotive storytelling, explicit blame attribution, and a focus on immediate crisis impacts, aligning with collectivist cultural values and high uncertainty avoidance tendencies. In contrast, Western media adopt a more analytical and policy-driven approach, integrating diplomatic efforts and expert commentary to provide structured narratives that mitigate uncertainty. These differences in framing have significant implications for global crisis communication, influencing audience perception, public sentiment, and international discourse. This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive media strategies that account for the diverse ways in which different societies interpret and respond to conflict narratives. Future research should explore audience reception to these framing strategies and the role of social media in shaping crisis communication.