How to spot the elephant?: the technological approach as a methodological foundation for the study of political propaganda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31558/2519-2949.2025.2.8Keywords:
methodology, propaganda, political science, disinformation, symbols, security, international relations, public diplomacy, digital diplomacy, information and psychological operationsAbstract
The study examines the technological approach as a methodological foundation for analyzing political propaganda, highlighting its growing relevance in today's information environment. The research aims to explore the heuristic potential of the technological approach in uncovering the essence and operative principles of political propaganda, particularly focusing on how it shapes public opinion and behavior through sophisticated technological means. The methodology employs an integrative framework combining axiomatic, hypothetico-deductive methods, and the approach of ascending from abstract to concrete. The technological approach integrates insights from political science, psychology, cultural studies, sociology, and communication studies, providing a multidimensional perspective on propaganda's functioning. Research findings reveal that effective propaganda operates as a system of rational, structured, goal-oriented processes designed to influence public opinion and achieve political objectives. Key findings reveal that propaganda technologies are institutionalized systems, distinct from sporadic techniques, and are characterized by their universality, reusability, and context-specific adaptability. For instance, cognitive distortions and emotional triggers serve as operational mechanisms in psychological propaganda, while symbols, myths, and rituals dominate cultural propaganda. Communicative technologies, such as framing and agenda-setting, leverage mass media and digital platforms to shape public discourse. The study concludes that the technological approach is uniquely positioned to synthesize interdisciplinary insights, offering a practice-oriented lens to analyze and counteract propaganda. Its integrative methodology underscores propaganda’s role in constructing alternative realities, legitimizing power, and fostering social consensus. The findings have significant implications for media literacy, critical thinking, and democratic resilience, particularly in the face of escalating information and psychological operations in international relations. By examining the technological core of propaganda, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of security, public diplomacy, and the ethical challenges of digital diplomacy in the 21st century.
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