Psychological Operations American Style: The Joint United States Public Affairs Office, Vietnam and Beyond
Psychological Operations American Style examines the historical use of PSYOP by the Unites States in the twentieth century. Over six years into its War on Terrorism, and over thirty years removed from the Vietnam War, the United States continues to cling to its traditional style of PSYOP. It has remained a tangential weapon in the otherwise conventional arsenal employed by Unites States officials in the War on Terrorism. To the extent that Americans have utilized PSYOP, they have remained wedded to the notion of its use as a tactical offensive weapon meant to instill terror in their enemies. While often successful in the short term for securing defection and surrender, this type of PSYOP does little to win hearts and minds over the long haul. As experience in Vietnam demonstrates, using PSYOP only as a tactical weapon possesses the potential to undermine the nation's position by eroding its credibility. It offers civilian officials and military commanders the means to blur the distinction between information and persuasion in order to achieve immediate and demonstrable results. The use of such tactics by the Joint U.S. Public Affairs Office in Vietnam destroyed trust in the information given even at official press conferences. Psychological Operations American Style is ideal for military and diplomatic historians and scholars of the Vietnam War.
1123957762
Psychological Operations American Style: The Joint United States Public Affairs Office, Vietnam and Beyond
Psychological Operations American Style examines the historical use of PSYOP by the Unites States in the twentieth century. Over six years into its War on Terrorism, and over thirty years removed from the Vietnam War, the United States continues to cling to its traditional style of PSYOP. It has remained a tangential weapon in the otherwise conventional arsenal employed by Unites States officials in the War on Terrorism. To the extent that Americans have utilized PSYOP, they have remained wedded to the notion of its use as a tactical offensive weapon meant to instill terror in their enemies. While often successful in the short term for securing defection and surrender, this type of PSYOP does little to win hearts and minds over the long haul. As experience in Vietnam demonstrates, using PSYOP only as a tactical weapon possesses the potential to undermine the nation's position by eroding its credibility. It offers civilian officials and military commanders the means to blur the distinction between information and persuasion in order to achieve immediate and demonstrable results. The use of such tactics by the Joint U.S. Public Affairs Office in Vietnam destroyed trust in the information given even at official press conferences. Psychological Operations American Style is ideal for military and diplomatic historians and scholars of the Vietnam War.
128.0 In Stock
Psychological Operations American Style: The Joint United States Public Affairs Office, Vietnam and Beyond

Psychological Operations American Style: The Joint United States Public Affairs Office, Vietnam and Beyond

by Robert J. Kodosky
Psychological Operations American Style: The Joint United States Public Affairs Office, Vietnam and Beyond

Psychological Operations American Style: The Joint United States Public Affairs Office, Vietnam and Beyond

by Robert J. Kodosky

Hardcover

$128.00 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

Psychological Operations American Style examines the historical use of PSYOP by the Unites States in the twentieth century. Over six years into its War on Terrorism, and over thirty years removed from the Vietnam War, the United States continues to cling to its traditional style of PSYOP. It has remained a tangential weapon in the otherwise conventional arsenal employed by Unites States officials in the War on Terrorism. To the extent that Americans have utilized PSYOP, they have remained wedded to the notion of its use as a tactical offensive weapon meant to instill terror in their enemies. While often successful in the short term for securing defection and surrender, this type of PSYOP does little to win hearts and minds over the long haul. As experience in Vietnam demonstrates, using PSYOP only as a tactical weapon possesses the potential to undermine the nation's position by eroding its credibility. It offers civilian officials and military commanders the means to blur the distinction between information and persuasion in order to achieve immediate and demonstrable results. The use of such tactics by the Joint U.S. Public Affairs Office in Vietnam destroyed trust in the information given even at official press conferences. Psychological Operations American Style is ideal for military and diplomatic historians and scholars of the Vietnam War.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780739121399
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication date: 12/05/2007
Pages: 248
Product dimensions: 6.36(w) x 9.46(h) x 0.83(d)

About the Author

Robert J. Kodosky is professor in the Department of History, West Chester University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Chapter 1. Blurring the Line
Chapter 3 Chapter 2. Truth or Consequences
Chapter 4 Chapter 3. The Great Cultural Divide
Chapter 5 Chapter 4. Lessons Learned
Chapter 6 Chapter 5. The Truth Will Set Them Free
Chapter 7 Chapter 6. A Matter of Performance
Chapter 8 Chapter 7. Picking Up the Slack
Chapter 9 Chapter 8. Dwelling on the Difference
Chapter 10 Chapter 9. Toward Oblivion
Chapter 11 Chapter 10. Maximum Exposure
Chapter 12 Chapter 11. From the People, For the People
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews