This book develops a sophisticated account of propaganda and its intriguing history. It begins with a brief overview of Western propaganda, including Ancient Greek theories of rhetoric, and traces propaganda's development through the Christian era, the rise of the nation-state, World War I, Nazism, Communism, and the present day. The core of the book examines the ethical implications of various forms of persuasion, not only hate propaganda but also insidious elements of more generally acceptable communication such as advertising, public relations, and government information, setting these in the context of freedom of expression. This new edition is updated throughout, and includes additional revelations about a key atrocity story of World War I.
List of Illustrations
Preface to the First Edition
Preface to the Second Edition
CHAPTER 1: Why Study Propaganda?
Introduction
Definition
Two Major Propaganda Theorists: George Orwell and Jacques Ellul
Plan of the Book
Chapter 2: History of Propaganda
Introduction
Athens
Rome
The Early Christian Era
From the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment
The French Revolution and Its Aftermath
Later Nineteenth-Century Developments
British Propaganda in World War I
Leninist Propaganda
Nazi Propaganda
World War II to the Present Day, In Brief
Conclusion
CHAPTER 3: Propaganda Technique: An Analysis
Introduction
Overview
Devices Involving Language Manipulation
Non-Verbal Techniques
Conclusion
CHAPTER 4: Ethics and Propaganda
Introduction: What Is Ethics?
Ethical Theories
The Morality of Lying
Misleading without Actually Lying
The Ethics of Communication
On the Ethics of Propaganda
Conclusion: Propaganda and Autonomy
CHAPTER 5: Advertising and Public Relations Ethics
Introduction
Advertising
Public Relations Ethics
Conclusion
CHAPTER 6: Freedom of Expression: Some Classical Arguments
Introduction
John Milton
John Stuart Mill
Modern Communications Media: A Free and Open Encounter?
Additional Free Speech Arguments
Conclusion
CHAPTER 7: The Question of Controls
Introduction
Controls on Hate Propaganda
Advertising
Government Controls on the Media
The Media Controls Itself
Government Information
Addendum, 2012
CHAPTER 8: Propaganda, Democracy, and the Internet
The Achievements and Promise of the Internet
Uncertainties and Negative Features
Strategies for Democratizing the Net
Propaganda Analysis
Conclusion
Bibliography
Permission Acknowledgements
Index
