The word "propaganda" once conveyed simple information. However, World War I stained it with deceit. British and American governments disseminated fabricated accounts of German atrocities, forever altering its meaning. Ironically, Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's chief propagandist, weaponized these sensationalized tales, blaming them for the Central Powers' defeat.
Peter Pomerantsev's gripping exploration, "How to Win an Information War," delves into a more nuanced form of deception employed against Hitler. The narrative hinges on Sefton Delmer, a British journalist with a unique perspective. Born in Berlin to an Australian father, Delmer's bicultural upbringing fostered a profound understanding of German language and culture – an asset critical to the Allied cause.
As the Daily Express' Berlin correspondent (1931-1933), Delmer infiltrated Hitler's inner circle. His dispatches, including a firsthand account of the Reichstag fire, offer a chilling glimpse into the Third Reich's rise.
By 1940, Delmer returned to London as a BBC German-language news presenter. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he insulted Hitler on-air, violating the BBC's policy of "white propaganda" – factual, albeit censored, reporting. This incident led him to the Political Warfare Executive, a clandestine organization specializing in "black propaganda" – fabricating narratives to mislead the enemy.
Delmer's mission: to weaken the Wehrmacht's morale. He masterminded fictional German-hosted talk shows. These shows, despite their fabricated source, exposed genuine Nazi corruption and incompetence. The inclusion of accurate details, gleaned through meticulous research, convinced listeners they were tuning into a clandestine German radio station.
Pomerantsev draws upon extensive historical research, Delmer's memoirs, and his own family's history. Similar to Delmer, his family migrated from Soviet Ukraine to Germany and then London. His father, a cultural program producer, witnessed firsthand how Putin weaponized media to consolidate power.
Pomerantsev masterfully weaves connections between the past and present. Hitler's blitzkrieg finds a chilling echo in Putin's scorched-earth invasion. The radio's influence in the 1930s parallels the pervasive power of digital media today. This potent narrative highlights the enduring struggle between totalitarian regimes and soft authoritarianism's manipulative tactics.
Readers seeking a definitive guide for navigating today's information wars will find a different approach. This book paints Delmer as a visionary communicator, his success transcending specific media. His brilliance lay in understanding human nature, not mastering technology.
Delmer, known for his unconventional methods, would likely struggle with the cautious bureaucracies now tasked with government messaging. However, four key qualities made him exceptional.
Acute Understanding of German Psyche: Delmer recognized the vulnerability of a nation still reeling from one war, easily manipulated into another.
Empathy for the Ordinary Soldier: He empathized with ordinary soldiers forced to serve a corrupt regime.
Humor as a Weapon: Delmer's sharp wit resonated with his audience's growing doubts about the Nazi regime.
Respect for Truth, Even in Deception: Despite using deceptive tactics, Delmer prioritized factual accuracy.
Do these qualities hold relevance today? Absolutely. The adage "a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its boots" underscores the importance of factual journalism and historical understanding. Take the case of Alexei Navalny's death. Amidst the flurry of misinformation, the truth exists, however elusive.
Pomerantsev proposes a solution inspired by Delmer: understand legitimate societal grievances, empathize with public resentment towards elites, and communicate in a relatable manner. Furthermore, adhering to factual accuracy remains paramount. Delmer's wartime motto – "never lie by accident, only deliberately" – serves as a powerful reminder. Respecting popular skepticism, unlike Goebbels' self-absorbed propaganda machine, proved crucial in World War II. This
