When you think of propaganda, the first thing that comes to mind is likely Nazi Germany during the Second World War. The infamous propaganda movement driven by Hitler was a significant mode of influence for several years. However, propaganda is a double-edged sword, and it all depends on who is practicing it. Propaganda can positively or negatively affect an audience as their opinions may be swayed in compliance. While promoted under threatening motives, propaganda can serve a great role in positive influence as well. It is a force that the public is relatively unaware of as they often feel they have authority over their own thoughts and opinions.
In 1948, the Smith-Mundt Act established a hold on the Government's ability to sell ideas to American citizens. The act allowed the Government to share our national policies with other countries while also prohibiting it from revealing those same policies to citizens in the United States. The U.S. imposed western ideologies in foreign countries.
In 2012, the Obama administration took action to null the Smith-Mundt act. Also referred to as the Smith-Mundt Modernization, the United States Government is now allowed to promote their affairs and policies to American citizens, influencing vast populations.
UNFINISHED
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