Do High-Level Visits Reflect Regional Priorities? A Study of U.S. News Media Data

This study examines the representation of regional organization (RO) interests during high-level visits of their member states to the United States using a novel dataset of 1,040 news articles from 1991 to 2023. The data analysis focuses on ASEAN, BRICS, ECOWAS, and GCC and employs sentiment analysis and topic modeling to explore how member states leverage these visits and how U.S. news media frames these events. The analysis of data reveals that member states strategically utilize high-level visits to promote RO agendas and interests, with varying levels of success depending on the RO and the U. S. media ’s reception. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a shifting focus from bilateral issues to regional and international concerns over time, underscoring the evolving priorities of RO member states in a globalized world. The findings offer valuable insights into the interplay of national and regional interests during high-level diplomatic visits and the influential role of U.S. news media in shaping public perception.