Political Manipulation: Definitions, Concepts, Mechanism of Action

Abstract

The article analyzes the phenomenon of political manipulation, as a mechanism for using hidden technologies in the political sphere to achieve political goals. Having considered three theoretical approaches to the explanation of manipulation, the author notes, that it is often perceived as destructive. Manipulation in terms of design is less common. The neutral approach to manipulation, whose supporters advocate contradictory ideas, is ambiguous. Analysis of manipulation outside of ethical evaluation allows us to recognize the following signs of the phenomenon: communication act, the nature of which depends on the goals of the subject; an alternative to the commanding power, which provides for the non-violent achievement of the subject’s goals; often eliminates obvious threats to the object. The author believes that manipulation should be considered ambivalent: if the actions of the entity take into account the interests of the entity, then the process of manipulation acquires constructive features and is interpreted as socially acceptable, creative, albeit covert management. If the subject acts selfishly, then the manipulation has a negative color and is condemned by society. Political manipulation – the use of manipulative technologies in the political sphere to achieve political goals. The tool of political manipulation is often media, with which you can quickly reach the largest possible audience. Obviously, the inextricable link between political manipulation and the media is a change in the nature of political manipulation, along with a change in the specifics of the media.