RESEARCH PAPER
Psychological operations after the Second World War
Online publication date: 2016-09-23
Publication date: 2016-09-30
Security and Defence Quarterly 2016;12(3):74-99
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
This paper has two purposes. From the personal side, the topic was chosen because I
am interested in the history of psychological operations. To benefit the reader, I address
psychological operations in selected military conflicts after the Second World War in order
to consider this issue.
The goal of this study is to depict examples of the psychological operations conducted after World War II as part of military operations and examine the increasing importance of these issues to all involved in the battle. The article describes methods and means of psychological activities carried out by both sides in conflicts against both soldiers and civilians. Most attention in the article is devoted to the potential of the United States, which is without doubt a leader in the development of psychological operations. US PSYOP equipment is the most sophisticated and covers a broad spectrum of diverse technological means of influence. It results especially from the permanent engagement of US troops in military activities in various parts of the world after the end of World War II.
Psychological operations have been an essential element of warfare since ancient times. The purpose of psychological operations is to induce or reinforce foreign attitudes and behaviour favourable to the originator’s objectives. It has been used throughout history to influence foreign groups and leaders. Moreover, psychological operations targeted the enemy’s will to fight. In various conflicts after World War II, we can observe more and more attention being paid to psychological operations. Today we can observe arevolution in PSYOP capabilities. This is related to the development of modern technologies, especially the internet, which gives new opportunities for information transfer.
The goal of this study is to depict examples of the psychological operations conducted after World War II as part of military operations and examine the increasing importance of these issues to all involved in the battle. The article describes methods and means of psychological activities carried out by both sides in conflicts against both soldiers and civilians. Most attention in the article is devoted to the potential of the United States, which is without doubt a leader in the development of psychological operations. US PSYOP equipment is the most sophisticated and covers a broad spectrum of diverse technological means of influence. It results especially from the permanent engagement of US troops in military activities in various parts of the world after the end of World War II.
Psychological operations have been an essential element of warfare since ancient times. The purpose of psychological operations is to induce or reinforce foreign attitudes and behaviour favourable to the originator’s objectives. It has been used throughout history to influence foreign groups and leaders. Moreover, psychological operations targeted the enemy’s will to fight. In various conflicts after World War II, we can observe more and more attention being paid to psychological operations. Today we can observe arevolution in PSYOP capabilities. This is related to the development of modern technologies, especially the internet, which gives new opportunities for information transfer.
REFERENCES (19)
1.
Allied Joint Doctrine for Psychological Operations AJP-3.10.1(B), SEPTEMBER 2014, p. 1-2.
2.
G.L. Whitley, PSYOP operations in the 21 th century, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania 2000, p. 13. doi:10.21236/ADA378002.
3.
L.D. Harter, J. Sullivan, Propaganda Handbook, 20 th Century Publishing Company, Washington 1953, p. 198.
4.
Allied Joint Doctrine for Information Operations AJP- 3.10 (A), DECEMBER 2015, p. 10.
7.
Joint Publication JP-3-13.2 Military Operation Support Operations, Joint Chiefs of Staff, 07 January 2010 Incorporating Change 1 20 December 2011, GL-4.
9.
PsyWar: an exhibition of Korean War propaganda leaflets, http://www.korea.net/ NewsFocus/Society/view?articleId=81778, 31.01.2017.
11.
S.T. Hosmer, Psychological effects of. U.S. Air Operations in Four Wars 1941-1991: Lessons for U.S. Commanders, Santa Monica, California 1996, pp. 125-129. doi:10.7249/MR576.
13.
See M.R. Jacobson, Tactical PSYOP Support to Task Force Eagle, The National Defense University, 1997, p. 194-195.
15.
H.A. Friedman, Psychological Operation in Iraq: Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003, https:// www.psywar.org/content/opiraqifreedom, 04.02.2017.
16.
J. Krane, US units try to win Iraqi hearts and Minds, http://www.kvue.com/sharedcont... iraq/military/060503cciraqhearts.8d028054.htm, 30 January 2017.
| eISSN: | 2544-994X |
| ISSN: | 2300-8741 |
© 2006-2024 Journal hosting platform by Bentus
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
