#98 | Invisible weapons of propaganda

"People are primarily influenced by the unconscious."

Whether it's a pandemic, climate crisis or geopolitical tensions: We all make decisions every day that are far from being based solely on rationality - in both private and political discourse. This irrationality is human, but also dangerous. This is precisely where targeted influence comes in: through emotional images, seemingly neutral language or socially accepted narratives. But what happens when enlightenment is replaced by nudging - and we don't even notice it?

"They want to make us transparent about our thoughts."

Dr. Jonas Tögel is an expert and author of two books on cognitive warfare. In an interview with Georgiy Michailov, he analyzes how manipulation techniques - from classic propaganda and digital distortion to neuronal future technologies - have long since become an integral part of Western democracies. He warns that those who understand the human subconscious can exert targeted control. And anyone who can read the mind using technology can also influence it.

"Manipulation begins where emotion wins out over argument."

Manipulation manifests itself where strong feelings dominate but factual arguments are lacking. Soft power targets precisely this: it works quietly, subliminally and effectively - through psychological triggers. Unlike hard power, which relies on coercion and prohibition, soft power undermines our inner immune system against influence. This makes education, critical thinking and genuine public discourse all the more important. Dr. Jonas Tögel explains how we can protect our cognitive self-determination.

*Video only in German