SPIN Talk Recording: The Birth of Psychological War by Dr Jeffrey Whyte
SPIN is delighted to share a recording from Dr Jeff Whyte discussing his book The Birth of Psychological War: Propaganda, Espionage, and Military Violence from WWII to the Vietnam War (Oxford University Press). Chaired by Professor Brian Rappert (Exeter). Stream below.
Synopsis
The Birth of Psychological War explores the history, politics, and geography of United States psychological warfare in the 20th century against the backdrop of the contemporary ‘post-truth era’. From its origins in the Second World War, to the United States’ counterinsurgency campaigns in Vietnam, Whyte traces how the theory and practice of psychological warfare transformed the relationship between the home front and theatres of war. Whyte interrogates the broader political mythologies that animate popular conceptions of psychological war, such as its claim to make war more humane and less violent. On the contrary, The Birth of Psychological War demonstrates the role of psychological warfare in expanding the scope and scale of military violence amidst ostensible efforts to ‘win hearts and minds’. While casting a critical eye on psychological warfare, Whyte establishes its continued significance for the contemporary student of international relations.
Bio
Jeff Whyte is a Lecturer in International Relations and (Cyber-Digital) Security at the University of Lancaster. Jeff works in the area critical military and security studies with a background in political geography. His work focuses on the significance of information, knowledge and communication in war, notably the political history of psychological warfare and its contemporary expression in modes of cyberwarfare and security.
The Birth of Psychological War is available to purchase via the Blackwell’s website here.