Perception Management and the ‘War’ Against Terrorism
ABSTRACT
This article challenges the popular view that 'propaganda' - here defined in a value- neutral sense - is an inappropriate activity for democratic governments. Indeed, it suggests that it is essential for the 'perception management' elements of the war against terrorism. It argues that we are in a new Cold War type of situation in which our very ideas and values are under attack, and therefore must be defended, albeit within a democratic tradition. The ability of the western democracies to succeed in not just defending, but in actively promoting their value systems over 'the long haul', may even determine the final outcome. Accordingly, great care needs to be taken at both the tactical and the strategic levels of information operations, although the theory is sometimes belied by the practice.
AUTHORS
Director of the Institute of Communications Studies, University of Leeds
UK
Dr. Phillip M. Taylor is Professor of International Communications and Director of the Institute of Communications Studies at the University of Leeds, UK. His books include War and the Media: Propaganda and Persuasion during the Gulf War (Manchester University Press,1992), Munitions of the Mind: a History of Propaganda from the Ancient World to the Present Day (Manchester University Press,1995), Global Communications, International Affairs and the Media since 1945 (Routledge, 1997) and British Propaganda in the 20th Century: Selling Democracy (Edinburgh University Press, 1999). He has lectured regularly to military educational establishments on both sides of the Atlantic, including at SHAPE, USAFSOC and at DISS and JSCSC (UK). He is a Member of the Advisory Board of the Journal of Information Warfare.
Published In
Journal of Information Warfare
The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.
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