Propaganda Policy in Future Military Wars: Developing a Process model for the Islamic Republic of Iran's War Propaganda Policy

Document Type : Original Article from Result of Thesis

Authors

1 Political Sciences Dep. Social Sciences Fac. Imam Khomeini International University

2 Associate Professor. Imam Khomeini International University

3 Political Sciences Dep. Islamic Azad University Shahre Ray

4 Political Sciences Dep. Imam Khomeini International University

Abstract

Innovation in advertising methods and tools proportionate to the artificial intelligence and digital age is among the most effective components in understanding the nature of advertising in the wars to come. The knowledge of war advertisement policymakers regarding delicacies and complexities of advertisement, especially in times of crisis such as war, is crucially important in developing and choosing policies. Our main question is how to develop a process model (multiple movements) of advertisement policy during the war such that the advertisement activities could lay the foundation, be efficient and effective, plus prevent scattered work and dispersion in execution, as well as imposing unnecessary expenses upon the country with emphasis and view of the future. This research seeks to obtain a process model (multi-flow) of advertisement policy in the Islamic Republic of Iran in case of war. It aims at illustrating the efficiency and effectiveness of the advertisement activities of the organizations and institutions in charge of advertising in the county and identifying and introducing the influential promoting and hampering factors in case of future probable wars. Research assumption proposes the policy model of multiple movements and points out the necessity of establishing a specialized organization to plan war advertisements in the future modern wars. This study is carried out based on a content analysis study model that assesses the related contexts and documents and analyzes their content. This study concluded that it is necessary to establish a specialized organization to plan war advertisements for future modern wars.

Highlights

Introduction

In times of war, the role of propaganda tools in influencing public opinion is crucial in bolstering the authority of governments and implementing their policies. Failure or success in any issue depends in part on the extent to which public opinion is persuaded to conform to the policies of governments, particularly in military conflicts. Future wars will entail considering the various dimensions and facets of soft warfare. Indeed, soft warfare is a planned attempt to use propaganda, media, political and psychological tools, and methods to influence governments, groups, and nations in opposing countries to change their mindset, values, and technologies. In other words, soft war is the use of soft power by a state to manipulate the public opinion of the enemy state and alter their preferences, attitudes, and political behaviors.

The primary purpose of this study is to develop a model of propaganda policy for the Islamic Republic of Iran in the event of war. It also seeks to determine the efficacy and efficiency of propaganda activities conducted by the institutions in charge, as well as to identify and implement effective wartime promoters and deterrents. Our fundamental concern is how to explain the process model of propaganda policy during the war in order to establish the foundation, efficiency, and efficacy of propaganda activities with a focus on the future.

 

Methodology

The study will draw on the content analysis model to discuss and analyze the relevant texts and documents as part of the research methodology. By reviewing the current literature, the authors have identified over ten policy models, including the institutional model, system model, organized disorder model, group model, process model, elite model, rational model, gradual change model, the general choice model, and the social decision-making model. Among these, the process model provides additional confirmation of the topics of our analysis. The process model is one of the most widely utilized models in public policy. As an outcome of the dominance of the behaviorist school in political sciences, the process model focuses on identifying the patterns or processes of activities or processes. Numerous political scientists have proposed variants of this model based on the various stages of the process, which typically consist of these steps.

- Identification of the issue

- Provision of different solutions

- Legitimization of a solution

- Execution

- Assessment

 

Data and Analysis

 The policy- and decision-making processes in any field rely first and foremost on the mentality and perception of associated elites and policymakers regarding the key concepts in those fields because perception is the link between people and their environment and a key contributor to comprehending the world. In the field of war propaganda policy, there are numerous notions and issues about which policymakers' mentalities and perceptions are crucial. Alongside this, three notions are more decisive than others. The first is how policymakers perceive the concept of propaganda, particularly in times of war; the second is how they perceive the nature of public opinion and how it is engineered; and the third concerns the concept of the complexity and interconnectedness of future wars and technologies.

Traditional advertising methods, such as creating and distributing messages, were primarily utilized by state-owned or independent news media. However, war-related advertising now and in the future will be linked to data, including the collection, processing, and arrangements made by intelligent computers. Military intelligence systems (command and control) have presented propaganda policymakers with a new image, and powerful and effective propaganda requires conditions such as the dominance of information in multiple dimensions of the home front and enemy front. Maintaining power and influence in the minds of others, as well as overcoming enemies, are all possible in the modern world if accurate and timely information is obtained.

Public opinion has a unique role among non-governmental actors because, unlike other non-governmental actors, it lacks spontaneous organization and leadership. On the other hand, it is the most significant source of legitimacy for governments and their behavior. The role of public opinion in policy implementation is irreplaceable. George Bush Jr.'s propaganda machine, for instance, spent six months attempting to convince the American public to invade Iraq. In addition, one of the primary reasons why the White House avoids long-term warfare and heavy casualties is the negative reactions of the American public. Along with domestic public opinion, the public opinion of other nations has grown in importance and prominence over the past few decades.

Advertising, one of the most influential tools for shaping public opinion in the modern era, has been subjected to two notable and parallel developments. The first is the formation, expansion, and increasing complexity of the "public sphere", accompanied by a growing demand for information linked with it. The second is the increasing availability of information, which makes it somewhat challenging for an individual to identify, absorb, and evaluate content. New and future wars appear to be heavily reliant on public opinion, and the legitimacy or illegitimacy of any war is contingent on the presence or absence of public opinion.

Understanding the nature of advertising in future wars would also require developing methods and advertising tools suited to the circumstances of the digital age and artificial intelligence. Therefore, war propaganda policymakers' understanding of the nuances and complexities of propaganda, particularly in crises such as war, will play a significant role in formulating and selecting policies.

As regards public policy, one of the models widely used in determining and implementing policies is the "multi-stream" model, which shares many similarities with the process model. The multi-stream model addresses decision-making under uncertain conditions and approaches public policy in a contingent manner. This model describes the determination and implementation of public policy as a multi-level procedure.

 

Conclusion

One recommendation of the executive branch is to establish the institutional and operational infrastructure for propaganda in the event of possible future wars and to establish a government agency with full authority to serve as the primary custodian of propaganda and to monitor and influence public opinion. The establishment of a "War Propaganda Organization" may be extremely useful to cover the policy-making process in future wars. This organization must pay adequate attention to the critical elements in future conflicts and employ them according to the circumstances.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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