Modern Governments Evolve Propaganda Tactics to Shape Perception

Governments around the world are adapting their propaganda strategies to leverage new technologies, with the core mission remaining the same: to shape public perception to influence policy. This evolution can be traced back to historical efforts, such as the United States’ establishment of the Committee on Public Information (CPI) during World War I. This initiative marked the beginning of a coordinated federal approach to propaganda, utilizing various media forms—including newspapers, films, and speeches—to garner support for the U.S. war effort.

The CPI’s impact paved the way for future government influence campaigns. Following World War II, the U.S. Department of Defense integrated psychological operations as a core element of its defense strategy. According to Joint Publication 3-13, psychological operations are defined as planned efforts to convey selected information to foreign audiences, aiming to sway their emotions and behaviors. This approach was further detailed in DoD Directive 3600.01, which framed information operations as a comprehensive effort to both influence adversaries and safeguard U.S. decision-making.

As the post-9/11 landscape unfolded, the management of public perception became increasingly intricate. Investigative reports, such as the Washington Post’s “Afghanistan Papers,” revealed that senior U.S. officials often presented optimistic narratives to the public while privately acknowledging confusion and setbacks in military strategies. This created a feedback loop where the crafted narrative dictated policy, rather than merely reflecting ground realities.

Global Adaptation of Propaganda Techniques

The United States is not alone in utilizing these sophisticated methods. Russia’s Internet Research Agency has modernized propaganda techniques through the use of fabricated social media personas and targeted content strategies. A bipartisan report from the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee details how Russian operatives effectively reached American voters during the 2016 election, showcasing the shift from traditional broadcasting to algorithm-driven influence that feels more personalized.

In a notable recent development, Israeli-linked public relations contractors have employed geofencing technology to deliver political messaging targeted specifically at U.S. church attendees. According to filings under the Foreign Agent Registration Act, the organization Show Faith by Works proposed the largest geofencing campaign targeting Christian congregations across California, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado. The plan aims to deliver political ads during worship services based on geographic proximity, effectively merging political messaging with religious gatherings.

Arizona’s public records confirm that 38 specific churches were identified for this targeting, while additional reports from Texas indicate over 200 potential targets. These efforts illustrate a new form of propaganda that operates not by demographic profiling, but rather by pinpointing physical locations during key moments of worship.

The Rise of Paid Influencers and Algorithmic Messaging

In conjunction with geofencing tactics, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has funded a significant influencer marketing campaign. Invoices submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Bridges Partners received nearly $900,000 to engage 14 to 18 influencers who produced between 75 to 90 posts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Analysts found that these influencers were compensated around $6,100 to $7,300 per post.

Show Faith by Works is reportedly looking to expand this strategy by collaborating with Christian influencers who have large youth followings. This integration of paid influencers into state-sponsored messaging creates a façade of personal testimony while promoting government-aligned narratives.

The overarching trend highlights a critical shift: propaganda is no longer a broad broadcast to the public, but rather a tailored influence that follows individuals through their daily lives. Cold War leaflets have transformed into targeted social media personas, while traditional press conferences have evolved into monetized influencer posts.

Whether through the digital factories of Russia or Israel’s church-focused geofencing techniques, the consistent aim is to shape the informational landscape so thoroughly that the messaging blends seamlessly into everyday life, thereby obscuring its political origins.

The Implications of Modern Propaganda

The efficacy of propaganda often lies in its invisibility. These efforts are increasingly continuous, data-driven, and intricately linked to the platforms that individuals rely on for news and community interaction. Although the methods have evolved, the core objective remains unchanged: control the narrative to dictate the political reality that surrounds it.

As these practices continue to gain traction globally, understanding their implications becomes crucial, as they redefine the landscape of public discourse and influence.