The Institute for Propaganda Analysis on propaganda for and against war

The Institute for Propaganda Analysis, Inc., which in the late 1930s and the early 1940s conducted studies of propaganda, recognized that in addition to propaganda for war there is also propaganda against war - a point often overlooked by today's media reporting:

 

"Propaganda - appeals to love of country, to protection of home and family, to hatred of foreign nations - sends a nation into war. Going to war is an effect of propaganda.

The experience of the war itself may alienate people; they may no longer be enamored by the 'glory' of battle; they may turn against war in general. They may become propagandists against war. Other desires may come to the forefront - the desire to live, to remain with their families. In turn, these new desires and attitudes may create new propagandas - propaganda for peace, for understanding of the problems of other nations."