Psywar: Media, Propaganda and the Manipulation of War

The documentary Psywar explores the intricate relationship between media and politics in the United States, shedding light on how public perception has been shaped over the decades, particularly in times of war. This thought-provoking documentary delves into the historical patterns of media manipulation, the role of propaganda, and how these strategies continue to influence political narratives today.

Media’s Role in Politics: A Historical Perspective

One of the key takeaways from Psywar is how media has always been a powerful tool in politics. The documentary highlights how, during and after World War I, political leaders in the U.S. used media to control public perception. At the time, slogans like “Peace without victory” were used to maintain a neutral stance. However, once the government realized the immense power media had over public opinion, it became an essential instrument for propaganda.

A striking example presented in the documentary is the Iraq invasion. The U.S. media propagated the idea that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction, making war seem not just probable but inevitable. In reality, this justification turned out to be false, yet it provided the U.S. government with the necessary legitimacy to invade Iraq. The documentary argues that the Iraq invasion was one of the most significant examples of domestic psychological warfare (psywar) in the U.S., where media played a crucial role in justifying a violation of international law.

Furthermore, Psywar examines how media strategies have been used not only in war but also in elections. For instance, George W. Bush's re-election campaign demonstrated how public perception could be shaped through media tactics, even amidst a war that resulted in economic downturn and mass casualties. Similarly, Barack Obama's 2008 election campaign was marketed as a movement of change and hope, yet the documentary critiques how it was ultimately a well-packaged political product designed to appeal to consumer-like voters. The concept of the "American Dream" was used as a narrative to inspire citizens, yet Psywar questions whether this dream serves only to uphold systemic inequalities.

The Rise of Propaganda as a Public Relations Industry

Another critical aspect discussed in the documentary is how propaganda evolved into a structured industry after World War I. It highlights how figures like Ivy Lee, regarded as the first public perception manager, played a pivotal role in reshaping public opinion. The Ludlow Massacre serves as a prime example of how media was used to manipulate narratives. When workers at the Fuel & Iron Company protested against poor working conditions in 1914, private security forces linked to the Rockefeller family violently suppressed them. Public outrage grew, but Ivy Lee used propaganda techniques—such as ghostwritten articles and charity campaigns—to repair Rockefeller's tarnished reputation without addressing the systemic labor exploitation.

This moment, as Psywar points out, marked the turning point where propaganda and public relations merged into a powerful force. The film explores how, from that point on, propaganda became not just a war-time tool but an everyday mechanism to manage public opinion on various issues, from corporate crises to political campaigns.

War Propaganda and Psychological Manipulation

The documentary draws a compelling parallel between Nazi Germany’s use of propaganda and U.S. war propaganda. It explains how Hitler’s government successfully manipulated public perception through radio broadcasts and mass communication, brainwashing citizens into supporting the regime’s policies. However, after World War II, the U.S. media framed the Nazis as the ultimate villains, positioning America as the hero. While American citizens believed they were advocating for neutrality, Psywar argues that media was subtly guiding them towards war support.

The documentary also brings attention to the Creel Committee, the first large-scale U.S. government propaganda agency, which used mass communication to shift public opinion in favor of World War I. Another key figure discussed is Walter Lippmann, who turned propaganda into a science by applying psychological techniques to shape perception, ideas, and actions.

A more recent example examined in Psywar is the Gulf War. The documentary reveals how media spread false stories, such as the infamous claim that Iraqi soldiers killed Kuwaiti babies in hospitals—a story that was later debunked when it was discovered that the young Kuwaiti girl who testified was actually a royal family member. Yet, the media successfully altered public perception, fueling anti-Iraq sentiments and justifying military intervention. Psywar warns that in today’s era of social media, misinformation spreads even faster, making propaganda even more dangerous.

Conclusion: The Hidden Battle for Minds

Through its analysis of historical and contemporary examples, PSYWAR makes a powerful argument about the ongoing influence of media in shaping political realities. The documentary suggests that, while physical invasions may have become less common, ideological and economic invasions persist through the promotion of democracy and the “American Dream” as commodities. Media, backed by corporate and political interests, is used to maintain U.S. dominance on a global scale through the dissemination of carefully curated narratives.

The ultimate message of Psywar is a call for critical thinking. The documentary urges viewers to question what they see, hear, and read in the media. By developing media literacy and skepticism, people can better resist the manipulative forces of propaganda and strive to uncover the truth in an era where information is a battlefield.