In the intricate web of global politics, one cannot overlook the pervasive influence of propaganda. As a tool wielded with finesse by governments, organizations, and influential individuals, propaganda plays a crucial role in shaping narratives, moulding public opinion, and even steering the course of international affairs. In this article, we delve into the significance of propaganda in global politics and explore the various methods employed in its creation.
The Role of Propaganda in Global Politics:
At its core, propaganda is a form of communication aimed at influencing the attitudes and behaviors of a target audience. In the realm of global politics, it serves as a powerful weapon, capable of swaying public opinion, justifying policies, and, at times, manipulating the international community. Propaganda acts as a catalyst, intensifying the impact of political decisions and contributing to the construction of a particular narrative.
One of the primary functions of political propaganda is to create a sense of unity and purpose among a nation’s citizens. By fostering a shared identity and common beliefs, governments can garner support for their policies, both domestically and on the global stage. This unity becomes particularly essential during times of crisis, enabling leaders to rally their citizens around a common cause.
Honestly there are millions of ways of creating propaganda in politics. Some are mild some are very harsh. For some, you will feel your blood pressure going up after reading.
I am sure you will raise your eyebrow reading some of the processes used in the history. They all form a part of politics.
Politics is a game of power. You have power, you will win; else you lose.
Remember, power is always scared of losing its place. It is always coward.
It always is in worry of someone else may take it over. This is the only reason why power is in attacking mode like a ‘cat found in corner’ and attacks even 100 times bigger dog.
Power is intoxication. Once you taste it, you will be addicted to it.
1. Historical Revisionism or Destroy old evidence and try to establish new one.
Rewriting history or presenting a selective version of historical events is another method of propaganda. By shaping the narrative around past events, propagandists can influence present perceptions and justify current policies or actions. Very old method of spreading propaganda is, by destroying everything that already in existence, every evidence, every existing structure, religious places etc. and creating one’s own methods, structures, places of worships or false evidences.
Best Example
Best example is, Mughal and many Afghan kings invaded India like Aurangzeb, Adil Shah, Nijam Shah, Mohammed Ghori, Bakhtiyar Khilji etc. They used these techniques to wipe out Hindu temples, religious beliefs, Bakhtiyar Khilji was among many who burnt entire Nalanda university, it took three full days to completely burn this university and its precious book treasure. This book treasure had knowledge about space, aliens, religion, Human evolution theories, atomic knowledge etc. Now practically it is impossible to store all the knowledge in the mind and so, slowly it wiped out. India became dependent for knowledge on other countries. Indians knew about Astronomy more than the whole world knows currently. All the knowledge was destroyed by this psycho and its psycho-troops.
Now, the destroyed temples were converted in mosques. These Shameless bloody attackers used the same material used in creating temple, to create mosque exactly on the same plinth. Lot of mosques in India, evidences to the same. For example, ‘Gyanvyapi Temple’.
India never had second religion. All the religions other than Hinduism, are either forceful conversions or conversions for some economic benefits offered by invaders for one family or for the benefit of entire caste or to safeguard the family especially women and children. Hardly any conversion happened before 100 years, is wilful.
This way, one destroys everything and establishes his own religion, knowledge, monuments etc. And creates the propaganda that they established everything, they were the bread butter givers, they were the pioneers, they were in existence several centuries ago. And so, they deserve what they are and what they want.
Another example
Another example is colonial state of British empire. They also destroyed the existing system in almost all the countries they ruled. Established education system, which will favour them. Snatched all economic resources, gold reserves and theft the precious treasure of India and many other countries. The British museum in London has almost all the things theft from all over the world.
2. Show one side of the coin
Another method of creating propaganda is to hide exactly what one doesn’t want to show and show only selected pieces of overall story.
Example
Example, Israel-Hamas conflict. First attacker was Hamas. Iran and other countries provided rockets and other ammunition to Hamas which they used against Israel. But they forgot that, the war will be played on Gaza land not on the land who provided the ammunitions. So, these countries are safe and only fuelling the war. Now, Israel was forced for counterattack.
Now, Hamas is in big problem. The countries who provided ammunition cannot provide continuous supply but Israel already have big budget for defence and have to provide supply continuously for the war, which they are doing it and so, can sustain in such war against terror.
Now, Hamas is showing that how Israel is attacking hospitals, killing women and children, stopping food and emergency services etc. But are hiding that the same things they did a week before with Israel that too it was offensive strike whereas Israel made defensive strike and later converted it in invasive strike.
Hamas is also showcasing Israel is targeting hospitals. But hiding the information that the hospitals had underground tunnel for Hamas terrorists to hide and work and attack from the same tunnel. Hamas is showcasing that Israel is making war crime by killing Hamas children but hiding the info that the schools created for the same kids had underground tunnel too for creating war situations.
Another example
Another classic example is from China. They will also show only goodie image of Chaina towns. But will never bring that image of Uighur Muslims’ transit camps. Lot of people are below poverty in China, does anyone know the number? In fact, China is such a country where every picture they show can be doubted on. Why big companies like Facebook, YouTube, Tweeter cannot do business in China? Answer is simple, there is no freedom of speech. Was ever this picture shown to outsiders? It will never be shown.
3. Cribbing Unnecessarily
We generally see people unnecessarily cribbing around us saying they have limited money, need immediate help, no one is taking care of them, no one is there to take care of their financial requirements etc. But these people will not help themselves. Self-help is the best help.
Likewise, many countries will crib against other countries. Their general topics of cribbing will be 1) less money, 2) terrorism, 3) internal interference, 4) cribbing for one’s own interest.
4. Media Manipulation
Propaganda often finds its most potent expression through media manipulation. Governments and political entities exert control over news outlets, shaping the information disseminated to the public. This can involve censorship, selective reporting, or the promotion of specific narratives to control the public discourse.
5. Use of Symbolism and Imagery
Powerful images and symbols have the ability to evoke strong emotional responses. Propagandists strategically employ visual elements to convey messages that resonate with their target audience. From national flags to carefully crafted logos, these symbols become synonymous with the political ideologies they represent.
Conclusion
In the complex landscape of global politics, propaganda emerges as a powerful force that can shape the destiny of nations. Its ability to mould public opinion, influence decision-makers, and construct narratives makes it a formidable tool in the arsenal of political actors. As we navigate an era of information abundance and digital connectivity, understanding the methods behind propaganda creation becomes crucial for fostering a discerning global citizenry. Ultimately, the impact of propaganda transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of societies worldwide.
