Backfires: White, Black and Grey
ABSTRACT
Sometimes the use of force can backfire on perpetrators, generating increased support for the opponent. Perpetrators may try to turn this process against their targets, by attributing their actions to the targets, as in black operations, or by using an ambiguous event as a pretext for action. These techniques can be understood as different uses of backfire dynamics, by analogy to white, black and grey propaganda. Various examples are used to illustrate this framework.
AUTHORS
School of Social Sciences, Media and Communication, University of Wollongong
Australia
Truda Gray has a sociology degree from the University of New South Wales and is completing a law degree at the University of Wollongong. She is studying corporate programs for engineering consent.
School of Social Sciences, Media and Communication, University of Wollongong
Australia
Brian Martin is an associate professor in the School of Social Sciences, Media and Communication at the University of Wollongong, Australia. He is the author of twelve books and hundreds of articles in a range of areas including war and peace, scientific controversies, dissent and information issues.
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.
Quick Links
Archive
