Propaganda, a powerful tool for influencing public opinion and behavior, has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. Its roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used to promote the authority of rulers and religious leaders.

In ancient Rome, for instance, propaganda was evident in the monumental architecture, coins, and sculptures, all designed to glorify the emperor and the empire. The use of these symbols and structures aimed to convey the power and benevolence of the rulers, fostering a sense of unity and loyalty among the populace.

The advent of the printing press in the 15th century marked a significant turning point in the history of propaganda. This invention allowed for the mass production of pamphlets, leaflets, and books, which were used to spread religious, political, and social ideas more widely and effectively. During the Reformation, both Protestant and Catholic factions used propaganda to promote their beliefs and discredit their opponents.

The 20th century witnessed the rise of propaganda as a central element in the political strategies of totalitarian regimes. World War I saw an unprecedented use of propaganda to maintain morale and encourage enlistment. The war also led to the establishment of official propaganda organizations, such as Britain’s War Propaganda Bureau.

In the years following World War I, propaganda became even more sophisticated and pervasive. The Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, Nazi Germany under Hitler, and Fascist Italy under Mussolini all employed propaganda extensively to control public opinion and suppress dissent. The use of mass media, such as radio and film, allowed these regimes to reach and manipulate a wide audience.

“With the advent of television and later the internet, the reach and impact of propaganda expanded dramatically.”

During World War II, propaganda was used by all sides to boost morale, demonize the enemy, and mobilize resources. The post-war period saw the continuation of propaganda techniques in the context of the Cold War. The United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a war of words and images, each promoting their political ideologies and discrediting the other.

With the advent of television and later the internet, the reach and impact of propaganda expanded dramatically. Governments, political groups, corporations, and other organizations have utilized these platforms to shape public opinion and behavior.

In recent years, the rise of social media has further transformed the landscape of propaganda. The ease with which information can be shared and the rise of algorithms that tailor content to individual preferences have created new opportunities for propagandists to spread their messages. The 21st century has seen an increase in the use of propaganda in the form of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation campaigns, often aimed at influencing political processes and public opinion.

In summary, the history of propaganda is a testament to the enduring power of communication and persuasion in shaping societies and influencing human behavior. From ancient monuments to digital media, propaganda has evolved to utilize the prevailing forms of communication, reflecting and shaping the political, social, and technological contexts of its time.

Propaganda in the 2020s

As of my last update in April 2023, there have been several notable propaganda campaigns in the 2020s. Here are three examples:

• COVID-19 Misinformation and Propaganda: The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, has been accompanied by a vast array of propaganda and misinformation campaigns. These campaigns have ranged from the spread of false information about the virus’s origins and transmission to conspiracy theories about vaccines and treatments. Various actors, including state and non-state entities, have been involved in these campaigns, often with the intent to sow confusion, discredit political or scientific authorities, or promote alternative agendas.
• Russian Propaganda in the Context of the Ukraine Conflict: The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which escalated significantly in 2022, has seen extensive use of propaganda by the Russian government and its allies. This propaganda has included disinformation campaigns aimed at justifying Russian military actions, undermining the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government, and influencing international public opinion. The tactics have involved state-controlled media, social media, and other digital platforms to disseminate narratives favorable to Russian interests and to sow discord among opposing populations.
• U.S. Political Propaganda and Disinformation: In the United States, the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election was marked by significant propaganda and disinformation efforts, particularly surrounding the legitimacy of the election results. Claims of widespread voter fraud, despite a lack of evidence, were propagated by certain political figures and media outlets. This campaign had substantial impact on public opinion, leading to events like the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and ongoing debates about election integrity and political polarization in the U.S.

These examples illustrate the diverse ways in which propaganda is utilized in the modern era, leveraging digital media and other communication technologies to influence public opinion and political events. The complexity and scale of these campaigns highlight the continuing challenges in combating misinformation and protecting the integrity of public discourse.

Propaganda and ecology

The term “propaganda” typically refers to biased or misleading information used to promote a particular political cause or point of view. When it comes to climate change, the predominant scientific consensus supports the reality of human-induced climate change, and the urgency of addressing it. However, the way climate change information is sometimes presented or used by various entities can raise questions about whether certain aspects of the discussion could be construed as “climate propaganda.”

• Alarmism and Exaggeration: While the concern about climate change is real and based on scientific evidence, some groups or individuals may present information in an overly dramatic or sensational manner. This approach can sometimes lead to claims that are more extreme than what the majority of scientific evidence supports. The intent might be to draw more attention to the issue or to prompt quicker action, but it can also lead to accusations of fear-mongering or alarmism.
• Political and Ideological Agendas: Climate change is a highly politicized issue, and different political and ideological groups may use it to advance their specific agendas. This can include overstating or understating the severity of the issue, or promoting solutions that align with their political beliefs, regardless of scientific recommendations. Such approaches can be seen as a form of propaganda when they intentionally distort information to manipulate public opinion or policy.
• Corporate Greenwashing: Some corporations engage in greenwashing, where they exaggerate or falsely claim their commitment to environmental sustainability. This can be seen as a form of propaganda when it’s used to improve the public image of the company or to deflect criticism of environmentally harmful practices, rather than reflecting genuine actions to reduce environmental impact.
• Selective Use of Information: All sides of the climate debate can be guilty of selectively using information that supports their position while ignoring or downplaying information that does not. This selective use of information can be a form of propaganda when it’s intended to mislead the public or policymakers about the true state of climate science or the effectiveness of potential solutions.

In conclusion, while the core concern about climate change is grounded in robust scientific evidence, the way in which information about climate change is sometimes presented or used by various actors can exhibit characteristics of propaganda. It is essential for the public and policymakers to rely on credible, scientifically vetted sources of information and to be aware of the potential for biased or misleading claims in the climate change discourse.

Generated by ChatGPT (GPT-4). Initial prompt: “Write a brief history of propaganda, in 500 words”, then “Give 3 examples of active propaganda campaigns that happened in the 2020s” and “Although the concern about climate change is real and justified, could we argue that there is a global ‘climate propaganda’ going on?”.

Cover image generated by Playground (V2) with the prompt “An history of propaganda”