#Gaza #Hamas #Israel # Perceptionwars
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War is the clash of wills but wills have origin in politics. Clausewitz defined war as the Extension of (political) policy by (violent)other means. Clausewitz understood that maintaining a military effort required the people. He stressed that to avoid internal disintegration and societal strife, it is crucial to preserve public morale and make sure that the costs of war are distributed fairly.
The current war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is a clear
reminder that information and propaganda are important domains of war which
should be taken seriously by strategists and planners before they execute any
plan.
The capacity to control the narrative and influence public
opinion has become increasingly important in determining the outcome of a
conflict, even while traditional military forces may still have the upper hand
in combat.
The traditional interpretation of Clausewitz's concept of war
was "the continuation of politics by other means." In the information
age, this idea has a new significance. Apart from the employment of firearms
and explosives, the conflict in Gaza is also a fight for people's emotions,
fought on the front lines of digital media, including mainstream and social
media.
The success of Hamas's use of social media has been one of
the most notable features of the Gaza conflict. By presenting itself as the
victim of the Israeli assault and dissipating information as it happens, Hamas
has been able to directly engage with audiences worldwide, eluding the
gatekeepers of traditional media. Hamas's use of social media has been
particularly effective in mobilizing international support. Graphic images and
videos of civilian casualties in Gaza have been widely shared online, sparking
outrage and condemnation of Israel's actions.
Israel's story, on the other hand, has frequently had trouble
taking off. Israel has frequently faced scrutiny for trying to rationalize its
acts as self-defence, especially in light of the disproportionately high number
of Palestinian deaths and blatant lies that it is trying to spread by proven
wrong immediately by the audience which it try to influence.
The war in Gaza has taught observers several important
lessons about the role of information and propaganda in modern warfare. In the
era of information, winning the verbal battle might be just as crucial as
winning the physical one. It is important for both parties to effectively
communicate their aims and objectives to audiences.
In the era of
information and mass media, winning the verbal battle might be just as crucial
as winning the physical one. It is important for both parties to effectively
communicate their aims and objectives to audiences.
In times of conflict,
social media has grown to be an effective weapon for both parties. It can be
employed to sway public opinion, propagate misinformation, and rally support.
Summing up, The real war is a war of perceptions. The side
that dominates in this domain usually has the upper hand because it can create
favourable realities. with the advent of social media, states have lost their
monopoly over information and its interpretations. the side with a convincing narrative along
with evidence and also which displays initiative and gives interpretation
immediately after news happens to have an edge over the opponent.
there are several factors like religion, culture and economic
conditions which help shape perceptions and with little wisdom, any event can
be used to create potential energy helpful for achieving political goals.
A good propagandist weighs his words and reads and
understands the minds of his side and that of the opponent and then generates
content. Propaganda is not a lie but a mere interpretation of facts to
influence minds. A good propagandist should be well-versed in history,
literature and psychology. He should be an expert in generalization,
stereotyping and oversimplification.
Effective propaganda is normal and balanced communication.
extremist viewpoints and impressions of biasedness get small audiences and may
be counterproductive in the case of the opposite audience.