Persuasion and power
Subtitle: the art of strategic communication
By: by James P. Farwell ; foreword by John J. Hamre
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
Published: 2012
Place of publication: Washington, DC
Language: eng
Number of pages: 282
ISBN-13: 9781589019423
Subjects: Communication in international relations; Communication in politics
Description: Now more than ever, in the arenas of national security, diplomacy, and military operations, effective communication strategy is of paramount importance. A 24/7 television, radio, and Internet news cycle paired with an explosion in social media demands it. According to James P. Farwell, a former political consultant, the US government's approach to strategic communication has been misguided. "Power and Persuasion" stands apart for its critical evaluation of the concepts, doctrines, and activities that the US Department of Defense and Department of State employ for the art of strategic communication including psychological operations, military information support operations, propaganda, and public diplomacy. Farwell stresses that words, deeds, actions, and symbols may qualify as strategic communication and aim to mold or shape public opinion to influence behavior in order to attain specific objectives, advance interests, or - viewed from a military perspective - satisfy or create conditions that produce a desired end-state. He contends that a message that is true, consistent, and persuasive is more powerful than any deception. "Persuasion and Power" is a book about the art of strategic communication, how it is used, where, and why. Using historical examples, Farwell illustrates how its principles have made a critical difference throughout history in the outcomes of crises, conflicts, politics, and diplomacy across different cultures and societies. This insightful volume will help communications officers, policymakers, and students understand when, where, and how they can apply the principles of strategic communication to advance national security interests.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction; title: Part I. The forms of strategic communication: psychological operations; propaganda; public affairs; public diplomacy; title: Part II. Words, images and symbols, and deeds; title: Part III. Campaigns of influence: do authoritarians care?; is success about leadership or communication?; the marks of leadership; campaigns of influence; define winning or losing; strategy; tactics; title: Part IV. Weapons of strategic communication: television as a weapon; radio as a weapon; title: Part V. More effective strategic communication: change that would matter; conclusion.