The Discourse of Propaganda

John Oddo provides a rigorous examination of how misinformation shapes public perception in The Discourse of Propaganda. This scholarly work analyzes historical instances where false reports, such as those surrounding the Persian Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq War, served to justify military interventions. Rather than viewing propaganda as simple misleading rhetoric, Oddo presents it as a complex discursive process. The text explores how recontextualization on a massive scale allows deceptive narratives to remain effective within the social and material conditions of modern communication.

As a significant contribution to communication studies and political science, The Discourse of Propaganda investigates both textual and visual rhetoric. Through various case studies, the author traces how propaganda is constructed and repeated across news reports, political speeches, and everyday discourse. This volume serves as a vital resource for researchers in history, rhetoric, and Middle East studies who seek to understand the mechanisms of wartime propaganda and the cultural practices that allow such campaigns to flourish.