Persuasion And Power Av James P. Farwell

<p>This is a book about the art of strategic communication, how it’s used, where, and why.It examines how people have thought about the notion through the ages, how they have applied its principles, and what lessons for today we can glean from past experience.  The book is particularly concerned with strategic communication in US national security and how the current practice of communication in this arena is deficient.  Now more than ever in diplomacy and the conduct of military operations, communication strategy is of paramount importance because of the 24/7 news cycle as well as the internet and social media that broaden policy debates and the war of words beyond elites.  James P. Farwell, a former political consultant, says that the U.S. government's approach to strategic communication is too stiff and process oriented.  His definition of strategic communication follows the lead of political communication, which is more art than science.  This mod

Now more than ever, in the arenas of national security, diplomacy, and military operations, effective communication strategy is of paramount importance. A 24/7 television, radio, and Internet news cycle paired with an explosion in social media demands it. According to James P. Farwell, an expert in communication strategy and cyber war who has advised the U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND and the Department of Defense, and worked nationally and internationally as a media and political consultant, this book examines how colorful figures in history from Julius Caesar to Winston Churchill, Napoleon to Hugo Chavez, Martin Luther to Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan, have forged communication strategies to influence audiences. Mark Twain said that history doesn''t repeat itself, but rhymes. In showing how major leaders have moved audiences, Farwell bears out Twain''s thesis. Obama and Luther each wanted to reach a mass audience. Obama used social media and the Internet. Luther used the printing press. But the strategic mindset was similar. Hugo Chavez identifies with Simon Bolivar, but his attitude towards the media more closely echoes Napoleon. Caesar used coins to build his image in ways that echo the modern use of campaign buttons. His "triumphs," enormous parades to celebrate military victories, celebrated his achievements and aimed to impress the populace with his power and greatness. Adolph Hitler employed a similar tactic with his torchlight parades.The book shows how the US government''s approach to strategic communication has been misguided. It offers a colorful, incisive critical evaluation of the concepts, doctrines, and activities that the US Department of Defense and Department of State employ for psychological operations, military information support operations, propaganda, and public diplomacy. Persuasion and Power is a book about the art of communication strategy, how it is used, where, and why. Farwell''s adroit use of vivid examples produce a well-researched, entertaining story that illustrates how its principles have made a critical difference throughout history in the outcomes of crises, conflicts, politics, and diplomacy across different cultures and societies.