World-Wide Symphony: The Role of Popular Music in American Foreign Policy.

Music provides the soundtrack for American politics. Songs have a long and enduring tradition of alerting the public to international issues and mobilizing public opinion with calls to action. Music has become a primary means of giving voice to patriotism and even its darker twin, nationalism. Music-based political movements have been forceful in protesting unpopular wars, providing debt-relief for third world nations, promoting human rights around the globe—countering apartheid and other oppressive policies, coordinating famine relief, and informing listeners about the global consequences of destructive environmental policies. Music even provided solace for Americans enduring the pain of such international events as the terrorist attacks of September 11. Through songs, Americans express their hope in the competence and justness of their government. And through songs, Americans communicate their concerns and criticisms over American policies played out in the wider global arena. International musical artists have leveraged their songcraft to redirect the parochial sensibilities that typically characterize the American public and bring attention toward issues of more international concern. This paper examines the meaning and influence of particular popular songs in the realm of foreign policy. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]