Episode 126 - The War Machine

In 'Propaganda,' Edward Bernays lays out his vision for using propaganda to influence various aspects of society, including government, politics, art, science, and education. The book discusses the 'conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses' as an essential element in democratic society. Bernays argues that this manipulation is carried out by an 'invisible government' of professional propagandists who shape public thoughts, values, and responses. The book explores the psychological and social science basis of propaganda and its application in different fields, highlighting its potential for both beneficial and detrimental uses.

In this book, Naomi Klein argues that neoliberal economic policies, promoted by Milton Friedman and the Chicago School of Economics, have risen to global prominence through a strategy she calls 'disaster capitalism. ' This involves exploiting moments of shock and extreme violence to implement radical privatization and deregulation policies. Klein traces the origins of these tactics back to the University of Chicago and CIA-funded experiments, and documents their application in various parts of the world, including Latin America, Eastern Europe, South Africa, Russia, and Iraq. The book exposes how these policies have been used to advance corporate interests at the expense of public welfare, often resulting in significant social and economic disparities.

In 'Media Control: The Spectacular Achievements of Propaganda', Noam Chomsky examines how mass media and public relations industries manipulate public opinion, often to support military actions and maintain the interests of powerful elites. He discusses historical examples, such as Woodrow Wilson's Creel Commission and Bush Sr.'s war on Iraq, to illustrate the strategic use of propaganda in democratic societies.