Propaganda is all around us, used to promote a sense of common cause and belonging, change behaviour or influence ideas, as well as to mislead, deceive, even destroy. Perhaps the greatest and most sophisticated exponent of propaganda is the modern state. Using universal themes of conflict, public education, protest and leadership, this book, which accompanies a major new exhibition at the British Library, takes a close look at the range of propaganda used by different states - and their opponents. Over the last 100 years, increased literacy, multiplying media formats, methodologies and competing messengers have required ever greater effort to persuade and influence citizens, and the book's primary focus is the 20th and 21st centuries, taking a worldwide view.

Published on the occasion of the British Library exhibition of the same name held May 17-September 17, 2013.

'A much maligned and misunderstood word' : a brief history of propaganda -- 'One people, one nation, one leader!' : the propaganda of nationhood and leadership -- 'Your country needs you' : the propaganda of war -- 'Trap your germs!' : propaganda as public information -- 'Know your enemy' : case studies in negative propaganda -- 'We are all Americans now'? : propaganda in the 21st century.