GEAB 206

METHOD

In recent years, narratives surrounding all sorts of conflicts have seen a remarkable resurgence of what was previously known as ‘agitprop’ (on the Soviet side) or ‘psy-ops’ (on the US side). Whilst these attempts to manipulate public opinion continue to be the work of intelligence agencies, they have also become techniques used by communications agencies – particularly political ones – and now play a central role in democratic electoral processes.

It therefore seems essential to help GEAB readers decode these methods and tools of manipulation, which seek to prevent any clear-sighted political anticipaiton by artificially distorting the perception of reality held by citizens, stakeholders or operators.

Taking control of the narrative, or ‘Once upon a time…’

Fundamentally, the attempt to take control of the ‘narrative’ consists of storytelling, so that it replaces what the individual (or the community) perceives as reality. In a sense, and on very specific points (external threats, risks of aggression, election campaigns…), this amounts to immersing the individual or group in a ‘virtual reality’ that causes them to lose touch with the real world in which they live.

This immersion is, of course, carried out without the people being aware of it. It goes far beyond the use of the so-called spin doctors, those specialists in ‘media stunts’ or the manipulation of national events, as it is always a long-term endeavour, sometimes even a very long-term one (several years), and it can extend beyond the borders of a single country in an attempt to influence global public opinion.