The Syrian Information and Propaganda War: The Role of Cognitive Bias

This book explores the propaganda war between the Syrian government and the opposition movement, focusing on the paradigms and narratives that framed the war. It argues that the opposition won the international propaganda war but failed to win the propaganda war inside Syria, and that propaganda had relatively little effect on shaping attitudes either inside Syria or internationally. The book encourages readers to critically question the dominant discourse on the war and assess the impact of propaganda in determining the outcome of the conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 414 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the intricate propaganda war waged between the Syrian government and the opposition movement, excluding the Islamic State and the Kurdish-led SDF. Drawing upon international relations, psychology, and media studies, it aims to challenge the prevailing discourse on the conflict. The core of the book outlines the propaganda battles over the primary paradigms and narratives that framed the war, exploring their shortcomings, identifying who emerged victorious in the propaganda war, and assessing its impact on the military side of the conflict.

In particular, the book focuses on the role of cognitive bias among primary and secondary sources in determining the outcome of the propaganda war, and whether the influence of this propaganda can be explained solely by effects or limited effects theory. By elucidating the dynamics of the propaganda war, the book encourages readers to critically interrogate the dominant narrative surrounding the conflict, assists them in understanding primary and secondary reporting on the war, and demonstrates that the impact of the propaganda war is best understood through the lens of limited effects theory.

The book's primary findings highlight several key insights. Firstly, while the opposition secured victory in the international propaganda war, it failed to secure a similar triumph within Syria. Propaganda, while influential, had relatively limited impact on shaping attitudes, both within Syria and internationally. Instead, it primarily reinforced pre-existing beliefs and narratives. Secondly, the reality of the war lies somewhere between the conflicting paradigms and narratives propagated by each side.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the propaganda war in Syria, challenging the dominant narratives and providing a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped the conflict. By examining the role of cognitive bias, the impact of propaganda, and the interplay between paradigms and narratives, it sheds light on the complex web of factors that contributed to the war's outcome. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Syrian conflict and the role of propaganda in shaping public opinion.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030932848
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022