The Birth of Psychological War - (British Academy Monographs) by Jeffrey Whyte (Hardcover)

About the Book

The Birth of Psychological War explores the worlds of war, propaganda, intelligence, and espionage from which US psychological warfare emerged in the early years of the Second World War, developed during the 'Cold War of ideas' against the Soviet Union, and culminated in the counterinsurgency campaigns of the Vietnam War.

Book 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.

Review Quotes

Jeffrey Whyte's The Birth of Psychological Warfare is an excellent example of what Foucault called the 'history of the present'. Whyte provides a fascinating and detailed historical study of the development of psychological warfare and its connection to contemporary concerns around disinformation and cybersecurity.

About the Author

Jeffrey Whyte is a Lecturer in International Relations at Lancaster University. He holds a PhD in Geography from the University of British Columbia, and an MA in Communications from Simon Fraser University. His work explores the political history of psychological warfare in the United States.