Legal Definitions - hostile propaganda

Hostile propaganda refers to information, often biased or misleading, that is specifically designed to be aggressive and antagonistic towards an opposing entity. Its primary purpose is to undermine, discredit, or incite negative sentiment against a target, which could be a foreign government, a political rival, an enemy during wartime, or any group perceived as an adversary. This form of communication aims to weaken the target's standing, legitimacy, or morale, frequently through the dissemination of false, exaggerated, or selectively presented information.

• Example 1 (International Conflict): During a period of heightened international tension, a state-controlled media outlet from Country A repeatedly broadcasts fabricated news reports alleging widespread human rights abuses and atrocities committed by the military forces of neighboring Country B. These reports are then amplified across various social media platforms, aiming to erode international support for Country B and justify potential military intervention by Country A.

  Explanation: This illustrates hostile propaganda because Country A is deliberately disseminating false and damaging information about Country B's military. The intent is to create antagonism, discredit Country B, and manipulate international opinion to its detriment, thereby weakening its position on the global stage.

• Example 2 (Political Destabilization): A foreign intelligence agency covertly funds and orchestrates a sophisticated online campaign within a rival nation, creating numerous fake social media accounts and websites. These platforms then spread conspiracy theories about the rival nation's upcoming election, falsely claiming widespread voter fraud and corruption among its leading political parties. The campaign's objective is to sow deep distrust in the democratic process and destabilize the rival government.

  Explanation: This is an example of hostile propaganda because a foreign entity is actively working to undermine the political stability and legitimacy of a rival nation's democratic institutions. By spreading false narratives about elections and corruption, it aims to incite public distrust and antagonism towards the government and its processes.

• Example 3 (Economic Warfare): Following the imposition of economic sanctions by one nation against another, the sanctioned nation's state-run news agencies begin publishing a series of articles and documentaries that portray the sanctioning nation as a failing state, plagued by rampant poverty, social unrest, and incompetent leadership. These reports, often based on distorted facts or outright falsehoods, are designed to demoralize the sanctioning nation's populace and discredit its government's policies both domestically and internationally.

  Explanation: This demonstrates hostile propaganda as the sanctioned nation is intentionally using its media apparatus to disseminate negative and often untrue information about the sanctioning nation. The purpose is to create a hostile narrative, undermine the credibility and morale of the adversary, and potentially weaken its resolve or influence.