The enemy figure in ideology and propaganda of the 20th century totalitarian systems – foundation for the debate Cover Image

Figura wroga w ideologii i propagandzie XX-wiecznych totalitaryzmów – przyczynek do dyskusji
The enemy figure in ideology and propaganda of the 20th century totalitarian systems – foundation for the debate

Author(s): Jacek Wojsław
Subject(s): Communication studies
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Keywords: propaganda; enemy figure; totalitarian systems; twentieth century

Summary/Abstract: Regardless of the type of a totalitarian regime, neither its “brown” nor “red” variety could have seized power, or surely remain in power for a shorter or longer period of time, if it was not for the creation of the proverbial enemy figure in public space. “Foe and enemies” constituted a necessary fuel for a political system which was based to certain extent on a defense and fight with more or less specific opponents of the new regime. This is why “producing” images of the enemy should be considered as one of the main propaganda tasks in the 20th century non-democratic systems. In the political-propaganda practice, enemy categorization, although it did take place on various occasions, did not play such an important role in any variety of a totalitarian regime. What counted was the current political business which could lead to a sudden switch from “friends” to ”enemies”, and vice versa.

  • Issue Year: 2017
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 47-63
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Polish