The SAGE Handbook of Propaganda
- Paul Baines - University of Leicester, UK
- Nicholas O'Shaughnessy - Queen Mary University of London
- Nancy Snow - California State University - Fullerton, USA
Business & Management (General) | Mass Communication (General) | Political Marketing
As a beguiling tool of political persuasion in times of war, peace, and uncertainty, propaganda incites people to take, often violent, action, consciously or unconsciously. This pervasive influence is particularly prevalent in world politics and international relations today. In this interdisciplinary Handbook, the editors have gathered together a group of world-class scholars from Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East, to discuss leadership propaganda, war propaganda, propaganda for peace marketing, propaganda as a psychological tool, terror-enhanced propaganda, and the contemporary topics of internet-mediated propaganda.
This is the first book of its kind, shedding a harsh new light on many current forms and processes ranging from Islamist and Far Right, troll farms and fake news institutes, to the more salient everyday manipulative practices of corporations and brands as well as political parties. In its four parts, the Handbook offers researchers and academics of propaganda studies, peace and conflict studies, media and communication studies, political science and governance marketing, as well as intelligence and law enforcement communities, a comprehensive overview of the tools and context of the development and evolution of propaganda from the twentieth century to the present:
Part One: Concepts, Precepts and Techniques in Propaganda Research
Part Two: Methodological Approaches in Propaganda Research
Part Three: Tools and Techniques in Counter-Propaganda Research
Part Four: Propaganda in Context
The digital revolution has caused both an explosion and transformation of political messaging. As we reach ‘peak propaganda’ so our ability to find meaning in society diminishes. This book is a much needed contribution to understanding what it all does actually mean.
In the age of fake news, post-truth, rumours and spin, never has there been a more apposite time for a detailed examination of the subject of propaganda. Expertly edited, the SAGE Handbook of Propaganda brings together a host of world authorities who deliver a stunning collection of deep insights into all aspects of political communication development and practice. The perfect publication for the domain scholar and interested observer alike.
This is a timely tome, given that ‘fake news’ is all the rage - or not, as the case may be - in the White House. It is global in its reach and comprehensive in its research into fake news, propaganda, invention, conspiracy theory, ‘presentation’, imagination and heroic deduction. As an ex-Government press secretary for nearly 25 years, I hope its message will be heeded: communicators have only one stock-in-trade - credibility. Winston Churchill showed the way with "blood, toil, tears and sweat". His reality inspired a nation.
Propaganda – the ‘weaponisation of advocacy’ as this book describes it - is an ever-evolving contemporary phenomenon which demands unceasing analysis. This book draws a line from the atrocities of the First World war to the divisive digital campaigning of nationalism and identity politics; the book allows the reader to connect some of the dots between disparate events from the perspective of cognition, persuasion and action, describing, if not defining, the way in which propaganda continues to influence audience behaviours. It might not tell the reader exactly what propaganda is, but they will be more likely to know it when they see it.
Propaganda constantly evolves and never quite looks the same. It´s so important to recognise all shades of propaganda and persuasion. We thought the world would be propaganda-free in the internet era but it´s actually on the rise. This novel text highlights this and brings this critical topic back on the table - and in such a comprehensive fashion - because it´s so much needed right now.
The SAGE Handbook of Propaganda is an absolute must-read for scholars and students wishing to expand their professional expertise in the area of international political communication.
