Політична маніпуляція: поняття, концепції, механізм реалізації

Abstract

The article deals with the main approaches to the interpretation, scientific use and practical application of the political manipulation phenomenon. It is emphasized that political technologies are not aimed at political actors, but are only a means to achieve political goals by active political actors. It is noted that manipulation is often associated with such phenomena as information warfare, propaganda, brainwashing, “Machiavellianism”, misinformation, political games and more. In its original meaning, the concept of manipulation refers to any complex actions that are performed by hand and at the same time require appropriate skill. In a figurative sense, manipulation is defined as an illusionist or selfish action. The purpose of this action is to create in the mind of the object of manipulation various illusions. There are two cardinal differences between the phenomenon of manipulation and propaganda. Firstly, propaganda is an attempt to convince of the correctness, adequacy of a certain point of view on reality. Manipulation, in turn, is a way to gain public support for such actions of the government, which without the use of special methods of manipulation would be rejected by society. Secondly, in most cases, a well-known entity carries out propaganda. Whereas the key property of manipulation is the secrecy of the influence subject. The tool of political manipulation is most often media. It gives the possibility to reach the widest audience quickly. It is concluded that the phenomenon of manipulation is often considered destructive. In turn, researchers who give manipulation a constructive meaning are rare, but their concepts are quite difficult to discuss.