The Birth of Psychological War: Propaganda, Espionage, and Military Violence from WWII to the Vietnam War

The Birth of Psychological War examines the history, politics, and geography of US psychological warfare in the 20th century, challenging the myth that it makes war more humane. It shows how it expanded the scope and scale of military violence, establishing its continued significance for contemporary students of international relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Birth of Psychological War delves into the intricate tapestry of history, politics, and geography that shaped the United States' psychological warfare strategies in the 20th century, unfolding against the backdrop of the contemporary post-truth era. Spanning from its origins in the Second World War to the United States' counterinsurgency campaigns in Vietnam, author David Whyte meticulously traces the evolution of psychological warfare, illuminating how it reshaped the intricate relationship between the home front and the war theaters. In this profound exploration, Whyte challenges the prevailing political mythologies that underpin popular perceptions of psychological warfare, questioning its purported ability to make war more humane and less violent. Instead, The Birth of Psychological War reveals the paradoxical reality: psychological warfare has played a significant role in expanding the scope and scale of military violence, often masking genuine efforts to win hearts and minds. While offering a critical perspective on psychological warfare, Whyte establishes its enduring significance for contemporary students of international relations, shedding light on the complex interplay between warfare, propaganda, and the human psyche.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 242 x 162 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197267493