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The digital revolution has caused both an explosion and transformation of political messaging.  As we reach ‘peak propaganda’ so our ability to find meaning in society diminishes.  This book is a much needed contribution to understanding what it all does actually mean.

In the age of fake news, post-truth, rumours and spin, never has there been a more apposite time for a detailed examination of the subject of propaganda.  Expertly edited, the SAGE Handbook of Propaganda brings together a host of world authorities who deliver a stunning collection of deep insights into all aspects of political communication development and practice.  The perfect publication for the domain scholar and interested observer alike.  

This is a timely tome, given that ‘fake news’ is all the rage - or not, as the case may be - in the White House. It is global in its reach and comprehensive in its research  into fake news, propaganda, invention, conspiracy theory, ‘presentation’, imagination and heroic deduction. As an ex-Government press secretary for nearly 25 years, I hope its message will be heeded: communicators have only one stock-in-trade - credibility. Winston Churchill showed the way with "blood, toil, tears and sweat". His reality inspired a nation.

Propaganda – the ‘weaponisation of advocacy’ as this book describes it - is an ever-evolving contemporary phenomenon which demands unceasing analysis.  This book draws a line from the atrocities of the First World war to the divisive digital campaigning of nationalism and identity politics; the book allows the reader to connect some of the dots between disparate events from the perspective of cognition, persuasion and action, describing, if not defining, the way in which propaganda continues to influence audience behaviours.

Propaganda constantly evolves and never quite looks the same. It´s so important to recognise all shades of propaganda and persuasion. We thought the world would be propaganda-free in the internet era but it´s actually on the rise. This novel text highlights this and brings this critical topic back on the table - and in such a comprehensive fashion - because it´s so much needed right now. 

The SAGE Handbook of Propaganda is an absolute must-read for scholars and students wishing to expand their professional expertise in the area of international political communication.