How to Win an Information War: The Propagandist Who Outwitted Hitler

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From a leading expert on disinformation comes the true story of WWII propagandist Sefton Delmer and its relevance today. In 1941, as Hitler's regime dominated Europe, Britain struggled against a formidable Nazi propaganda machine that celebrated victories and vilified opponents. Amidst this, a dissenting voice emerged from within Germany: Der Chef, a German radio broadcaster who cleverly challenged Nazi ideology and hinted at internal dissent. His broadcasts reached both soldiers and civilians, but unbeknownst to them, Der Chef was a fictional creation of British propagandist Sefton Delmer, who orchestrated a vast counter-propaganda campaign as a strategic weapon in the war. As Peter Pomerantsev reveals Delmer's story, he finds himself involved in a contemporary propaganda effort responding to Putin's invasion of Ukraine. This narrative intertwines Delmer's historical impact with Pomerantsev's modern-day mission, exploring their shared goal of captivating and mobilizing audiences while navigating the complexities of information warfare. The book serves as a compelling examination of how lessons from the past can inform our battle against disinformation in today's world.