Political Propaganda Techniques

🗞️ A must-have for anyone teaching Russian disinformation tactics. A comprehensive yet highly pedagogical and illustrated catalogue of tactics with concrete examples. 👏🏼Well done @center for countering disinformation with the support of The European Union Advisory Mission Ukraine (#EUAM Ukraine) 🇪🇺 1️⃣ The first part is dedicated to the Mechanisms of destructive information influence: • Bots 🤖 • Fake accounts 🤳🏻 • Anonymous authority 👁️ • Appeal to authority 🔨 • Deepfakes 👾 • Potemkin villages 🤡 • Duplicating websites or accounts 👨🏻💻 • Framing 🖼️ • Information overload 🌧️ • Agenda-setting 📆 • Demonisation • Polarisation 🤯 • Confirmation bias 🧠 • Primacy effect 🪢 • Deceptive sources 🎭 • Information alibi 🥸 2️⃣ The second part offers an overview of the Tactics of destructive information influence. Particularly useful to identifies the perverse rhetorical tricks at play and counter them with the right arguments: • Clickbaiting • Rating • Information sandwich • Lost in translation • Presence effects • Contextomy • Gish gallop • Whataboutism • Conspiracy theories • Talking away • Mundanisation • Doublespeak • Sleeper effect • “Check it if you can” • False analogy • Trolling • False dilemma • Using jokes or memes • Stereotyping 3️⃣ The last part describes the various soft power tools weaponized to leverage influence : Soft power tools: Russia’s influence through… • films 🎦 • e-sports 🎮 • literature 📕 • music 🎶 • sports ⚽️ • churches ⛪️ • cultural centre networks 🤝🏻 • educational programmes and grants 🎓 • historical revisionism 🖊️ • loyal political structures🏰 👐🏻Many thanks to the authors for a reference document which deserves to be widely shared As someone who srudied humanities, I always longed for the ancient “class of rhetorics” which was, until the late 19th century, the penultimate year of secondary education in France before philosophy: students learned the full art of persuasion—finding ideas, structuring them, refining style, memorizing, and delivering speeches—through constant practice and study of classical models. The purpose was to train them in the art of eloquence—to speak and write clearly, elegantly, and persuasively. And to prepare future orators -lawyers, priests, politicians- as well as any educated citizen. Were this classical knowledge more widely shared today, we might be better equipped to resist the tactics outlined in part 2️⃣ as we would more spontaneously recognize the persuasion strategies used against us -even if they come in alluring video forms these days! - and be able to counter them with the tools of logic and structured argument.

>> Can We Trust What We See? The Future of AI-Generated Content 🤖✨ In a world where AI can generate lifelike videos of public figures—like President Biden and former President Trump portrayed as friends—how do we determine what's real? AI is reshaping our perception of reality, making it crucial to develop new skills in digital literacy and critical thinking. Here’s how you can spot AI-generated content: 🔍 Look for Visual Oddities: AI may struggle with fine details like inconsistent lighting, odd reflections, or unnatural facial expressions. 🎙 Analyze Speech Patterns: Voice generation often lacks natural rhythm, emotion, or pauses, making speech sound overly smooth or robotic. 📑 Verify Sources: Trust reputable sources and cross-check content across multiple reliable platforms. If something seems too sensational, dig deeper. 📱 Use AI Detection Tools: Tools like Deepware Scanner and Sensity can help identify AI-manipulated media by analyzing pixel inconsistencies and metadata. 💡 Check for Missing Background Details: AI might blur or simplify backgrounds and may miss subtle context cues in a scene. This isn’t just technology for entertainment—it has the power to impact public opinion, security, and even democracy. As we move forward, digital literacy will be essential. Question: As AI blurs the line between reality and illusion, how can we ensure we’re building a future where technology enhances trust rather than erodes it? ---- 👉 Found this helpful? Share it! ♻️ Don’t miss out! For exclusive AI and tech insights trusted by over 365,000 professionals at Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and beyond—subscribe to my free newsletter for cutting-edge strategies to keep you ahead in AI. 🔗 Subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/eFNvmcYa 🚀 Leverage AI, boost your career, and master the future with 80+ bestselling AI eBooks. 🔗 Get your eBooks here: https://lnkd.in/emSWFxrN 👉 Love my content? ☑ Follow me Dr. Joerg Storm ☑ Hit the 🔔 on my profile for instant updates!

“Our messaging is not working” Enrique Ortiz, a veteran conservationist and founding member of the Andes Amazon Fund, has spent decades translating the complexities of ecosystems into action. But in his recent commentary for Mongabay, he issues a striking critique—not of science itself, but of how it’s conveyed. “Facts are not the most important part,” Ortiz writes. “The current narrative needs a re-thinking.” That rethinking, he argues, begins not with more data, but with deeper insight into how people process information, make decisions, and respond emotionally to the world around them. Ortiz’s concern is not that people are unaware of climate change. In fact, the majority of the global population acknowledges it. But many remain unmoved, caught in a web of abstract language, ideological filters, and emotional distance. Scientific accuracy, while essential, often falters in the face of cognitive and cultural barriers. Ortiz points to the findings of cognitive scientists and neuroscientists: facts rarely shift belief systems. Instead, people gravitate toward stories, experiences, and social cues. “When facing uncertainty,” he notes, “humans make decisions that are satisfactory, rather than optimal.” This disconnect, Ortiz argues, is especially clear in environmental communication. Words like “rewilding,” “green,” or “ecological” may have once inspired clarity, but have since become muddled through overuse or conflicting interpretations. Worse, they sometimes trigger skepticism or backlash. In this fog of abstraction, the human connection is lost. What’s needed, Ortiz suggests, is a new narrative strategy—one that harnesses the emotional power of stories and speaks to how people actually think and feel. He draws from his own experience as an educator: while his lectures on plant-animal interactions faded from memory, it was the stories that lingered. This phenomenon, known as “narrative transportation,” isn’t mere sentimentality. It’s a neurological reality that helps ideas stick—and decisions shift. Rather than continuing to warn of catastrophe, Ortiz believes we should share stories of adaptation and resilience. From Andean farmers modifying how they grow quinoa and potatoes, to everyday consumers making environmentally conscious choices, these narratives offer agency and hope. They bridge divides and foster shared values. “Our messaging is not working,” Ortiz writes bluntly. “We need a revolution in narratives—and in how we tell them.” That revolution may begin not in the lab or the newsroom, but in the quiet space where empathy meets understanding—and where change can finally take root. 📰 His piece: https://lnkd.in/gmrWBcc5 📸 Hoatzin. My photo.

Is this tool solving the “no one clicks links on social media” problem? Brands like NY Times and Notion are already customers. Now candidates like Zohran Mamdani are using it to engage supporters. In this week's newsletter, I wrote about Manychat. It's a comment-to-DM automation tool that accounts are using to drive link clicks. Earlier this month, I tagged Mamdani during the NYC mayoral debate. A few seconds later I received an automatic DM from him. It gave me various options to learn more about canvassing and phone banking. It made it seamless for someone to volunteer. On a post of his promoting a virtual conversation with Cynthia Nixon, the caption prompted people to comment “Miranda” to get the RSVP link in their DMS. There are over 1,000 comments. NYT Cooking has been experimenting with the tool as well. On one post, they prompt their followers to comment "Meatball" to get the recipe delivered to their inbox. It has over 10K comments. Notion uses the tool on influencer posts, making it easy to capture sign ups from their audience. Obviously there are ways this tool could be use in a more spammy way, but I think the examples above show a fairly seamless way to deliver links and relevant info to people who opt in. I'm particularly curious how future campaigns will utilize this tool.

Why narratives matter in policymaking - and what researchers can learn from them As a qualitative researcher, I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to make sense of complexity. In Narratives as tools for influencing policy change, Crow and Jones offer a useful framework for understanding the power of narratives for policymaking. The article outlines two common traps in policy communication: 🔷  The knowledge fallacy – the assumption that facts alone persuade 🔷  The empathy fallacy – the belief that authentic stories naturally evoke universal empathy Both overlook a crucial truth: people interpret information through the lens of their values, beliefs, and emotions. The authors propose a practical alternative: the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF). Rather than relying on instinct or anecdote, the NPF offers a systematic approach to understanding and constructing policy narratives. It identifies the key ingredients that appear across effective storytelling: 👉 Setting: the policy environment, including the social, legal, and institutional context 👉 Characters: heroes, villains, and victims who give the narrative moral texture 👉 Plot: the sequence of events linking causes and consequences, explaining how problems emerged 👉 Moral: the point of the story, often conveyed as a policy recommendation or call to action The strength of this framework lies in its applicability. It can be used by: 🔶 Researchers aiming to study how narratives shape policy debates 🔶 Practitioners seeking to frame issues in a way that resonates with specific audiences Crow and Jones also highlight where narratives can be used to influence policy: from defining problems and engaging with media, to shaping policy briefings and public consultations. This piece is a useful reminder that effective communication isn’t just about evidence or emotion- it’s about how we tell the story. #Policy #Storytelling #PublicPolicy #ResearchImpact

When government speaks, trust is either built or broken. And sometimes, it’s broken in just three words and an emoji. That’s exactly what happened last week—and Ghana Twitter was in uproar. Under a video advertising the home service delivery of IV transfusion, the official account of the Food and Drugs Authority, the nation’s regulatory authority, had responded: “STOP BLEACHING PLEASE!!!! 🤦🏽♀️” On one hand, the concern is valid. Skin-bleaching drips are unsafe and unapproved. But on the other hand—this wasn’t a personal page. This was the official voice of the State. And when the State speaks like this, three things happen: 1. Credibility weakens - Sarcasm replaces authority. 2. Public trust erodes - Citizens question if they can take government communication seriously. 3. A bad precedent is set - suggesting emotion and improvisation are acceptable substitutes for structured, responsible messaging. What should have happened instead? A factual, calm, and clear statement: “IV drips for skin bleaching are not FDA-approved. They pose serious health risks, including organ damage. The public is advised to avoid such procedures.” See the difference? One alienates, the other educates. One is reactive, the other protects credibility. The uproar was justified. And it reveals something bigger: governance communication in Ghana needs structure. Tone guides. Training. Internal checks. And yes, consequences when standards are breached. Because government communication isn’t casual content—it is the representation of state authority. When institutions speak, they shape how citizens see them — and ultimately, how citizens trust them. Structure is not optional. It’s the bedrock of credibility. Citizens deserve clarity. Institutions need discipline. And government communicators must remember: every post is policy in public view. #governancecommunication #civicengagement #ghanapolitics #publictrust

Advocating to Government: What Actually Works The not‑for‑profits that influence policy aren’t the loudest — they’re the most prepared. This is what I shared at The launch of the Tanck Perpetual NFP and Philanthropy white paper with Scott Farlow, Rachel Kerry (CEO, CAGES Foundation), Jane Magor (National Manager - Philanthropy & Non Profit Services, Perpetual Limited) and Neil Pharaoh. I reckon a few disciplines make the difference: • Strategic opportunism — do the groundwork early so you’re ready when the window opens. • Map the system — know who’s willing, who’s able, and where the real levers sit. • Be consistent — influence builds through steady, credible engagement over time. • Stay creative — being consistent doesn’t mean doing the same thing, mix up the mediums and messages. • Lead with values — know your stakeholders’ values and work in line with who you are. • Centre lived experience — nothing for me without me; people’s experience should be what shapes and shifts policy. • Move fast when the moment comes — preparation is what turns opportunity into impact. Advocacy isn’t noise. It’s strategy, timing, and purpose — delivered deliberately. Thanks Neil for sharing the great insights from the paper which provide a great diagnostic of the sector and some practical tools. What's missing from my short list?   https://lnkd.in/gSgQGSQA

Telling if a video is AI-generated is challenging—experts estimate detection rates at 70-80% for humans alone—but a methodical approach helps. Can you spot the subtle tells? The uncanny movements? The impossible physics? This challenge isn't just a game; it's a crucial skill in the age of deepfakes and misinformation. 💡 How to Systematically Check a Video ⇩ Follow these steps every time you encounter suspicious content (e.g., viral social media clips): 1) Verify the Source First (1-2 minutes) Who posted it? Reverse-image search a frame using Google Lens or TinEye. If the original is from an AI tool demo or lacks context (no credible news outlet), be wary. 2) Assess Basics: Length and Quality (30 seconds) Is it under 10 seconds or blurry? Play at normal speed first—if it feels "off" visually, proceed to details. 3) Scrub and Zoom: Hunt for Visual Tells (1-2 minutes) Pause frequently. Zoom into hands, text, faces, and backgrounds. Slow to 0.25x speed to catch motion glitches. Use your phone's zoom for extra scrutiny. 4) Listen Critically: Audio Check (30 seconds) Mute, then unmute. Note any robotic timbre or sync slips. Real audio has ambient noise; AI often feels sterile. 5) Cross-Check Context and Physics (1 minute) Does the scenario make sense (e.g., casual phone vid vs. polished ad)? Test physics by mentally tracing shadows or trajectories. 6) Stack the Evidence and Use Tools (Ongoing) One red flag? Could be real. 3+? Likely AI. Upload to detectors like Truepic or Deepware for a second opinion. Always share doubts—e.g., "This looks AI, thoughts?" Remember, AI detection tools lag behind generation tech, so skepticism is your best tool. Are your eyes sharp enough to see the difference? Take the test and find out! P.S.: Feel free to share your score. How many out of 5 did you get correct?

🖼️ Framing doesn’t just reflect reality: it creates it. This week I learned that the U.S. defense budget is larger than the next 10 biggest countries’ military budgets combined. It’s easy to interpret that as a country's noble commitment to “defending” its people. But… when was the last time U.S. territory was actually under attack? 💣 The truth is: this isn’t a "defense budget" – it’s largely an *offense* budget. Why am I all of a sudden talking about military budgets? Because that reminded me that how we tell a story shapes what we see, what we question, and what we accept as normal. And in DEI work, framing can mean the difference between reinforcing a broken system and challenging it: 🚨 Framing that misleads us: ❌ “Women are underrepresented in leadership.” → Implicit message? Women need fixing to ascend to higher rankings. ❌ “We need a business case for inclusion.” → Wait… has anyone ever built a business case for exclusion? ❌ “Shelley is a diversity hire.” → So is Jack a “uniformity hire”? 🛠 Framing that shifts responsibility ✅ “Men are overrepresented in leadership.” → Now we’re asking: What makes leadership more accessible to men? ✅ “Exclusion has always been the default.” → Now we’re asking: Why do we need ‘proof’ that we should dismantle discrimination, bigotry, nepotism? ✅ “Shelley is a highly qualified new colleague.” → Because we don’t label Jack by his demographic, do we? Language is never neutral. It directs who gets questioned, what gets fixed, and who holds the burden of change. When I hear a DEI challenge framed in a particular way, I ask myself: Who is this framing letting off the hook? And what conversation does it steer us away from? 🤔 What other ill-framed assumptions on #inclusion and #diversity work have you seen? Link in comments.

The Role of Communications in Politics! An intriguing subject, and I had the privilege of attending a thought-provoking session with Rajdeep Sardesai, Consulting Editor at India Today TV, where he delved into the critical role communications strategists play in modern election campaigns. As Rajdeep explained, the approach is strikingly similar to what marketers consider when building brands—only now, it’s about professional brand-building in politics. Here are 8 interesting insights from the session: 1) Micro-targeting over generic campaigns: Voters today are increasingly transactional, with low loyalty to political brands. Campaigns must answer, “What’s in it for me?” 2) Direct resonance: Reaching the target audience with messages that connect at a personal level is crucial. Last-mile connectivity makes all the difference. 3) Amplification through call centers: These help reinforce campaign messages and remind voters of key points. 4) WhatsApp at the grassroots: With groups set up for every booth, elections are no longer about individual candidates but the strength of a party’s machinery. 5) Instagram’s rising influence: Modern campaigns demand updated communication styles; traditional methods won’t suffice. 6) The power of local influencers: Politicians are leveraging influencers, sometimes with paid collaborations, to shape public opinion. 7) Personal branding matters: Politicians are coached on everything from appearing approachable (smiling more) to prioritizing women voters in their messaging. 8) Women’s votes as game-changers: The focus on winning women voters is more critical than ever. A big thank you to the First Partners, Atul Ahluwalia and Dilip Yadav, for organizing this engaging session, and to Amith Prabhu for bringing together like-minded colleagues from our fraternity for this discussion. It’s fascinating to see how political campaigns mirror professional brand-building strategies, with communications playing a decisive role in shaping outcomes. What are your thoughts on this intersection of communications and politics? Would love to hear!