1. The systematic dissemination of doctrine, rumor, or selected information to promote or injure a particular doctrine, view, or cause.
2. The ideas or information so disseminated. • The word propaganda originated as an abbreviated form of Congregatio de propaganda fide, a committee (of cardinals) for propagating the (Christian) faith.
defamatory propaganda. Propaganda used to promote dissatisfaction among a nation’s citizens and undermine government authority. • Defamatory propaganda is common in wartime but is also used in peacetime as a means of incitement.
hostile propaganda. Propaganda employed by a nation to manipulate the people of another nation to support or oppose their government.
— Also termed ideological aggression. See subversive propaganda.
“Ideological aggression … is the spreading of ideas intentionally and deliberately so as to manipulate by symbols controversial attitudes and positions. It is hostile propaganda indulged in by a state directly or vicariously to incite and influence the people of another state so as to maintain or alter the institutions and policies of that state. The campaign of hostile propaganda may emanate from within or without the territory of the victim state and can be carried on by any means of communications.” Ann Van Wynen Thomas & A.J. Thomas, Jr., The Concept of Aggression in International Law 84 (1972).
subversive propaganda. Propaganda calculated to incite a civil war or revolution. • When the instigator is another nation, it is termed hostile propaganda or ideological aggression.
war-mongering propaganda. Propaganda calculated to produce national support for a war and to encourage the government to declare or join in a war regardless of any legal constraints.
