Psychological warfare

The term psychological warfare is used to describe methods that military use in war-time. We may understand it as an attempt to influence the behavior/beliefs of enemy armed forces and/or foreign civilian populations. Psychological warfare has many similarities with propaganda messages.

 Term 
The term "psychological warfare" has always been considered problematic and offensive. The use of military power is increasingly not any more on the level of an local armored conflict, but on the global basis using mass media. The NATO uses the term "psychological operation" (PSYOP).

People are trying not to use the term "psychological warfare". They would rather use terms like "stabilisation" or "satisfaction".

 History 
Psychological warfare has mostly been introduced in the second world war. Both Axis Powers and Allied used it.

 The United States and United Kingdom used the famous German expatriate to appeal to the German population through broadcast.

Related pages
Ad hominem
Divide and conquer
Hate speech
Identity politics
Military
Pork barrel
Propaganda
Psychology
Red herring
Smear campaign
War

 References 
 Paul Linebarger: Psychological Warfare. Ayer, 1972. 
 Günther Wirth: Krieg vor dem Kriege. Streiflichter auf Inhalt und Methoden der psychologischen Kriegführung des Imperialismus, Berlin, Union Verlag 1978 (German)

Category:War
Category:Psychology