ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the existence of modern-day propaganda, often referred to as cooperative propaganda, and its influence on education. Traditionally propaganda is defined as "the deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist". Cooperative propaganda, manipulates cognitions, and directs behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist regardless of the effect on the public at large. In many ways, the news media are a central and representative institution in cooperative propaganda. Ultimately, cooperative propaganda is effective due to the perceived credibility of the sources involved, and this perceived credibility is based on their appearance of independence. A discussion of cooperative propaganda essentially concerns the reliability of information. As a result, propaganda likely degrades the public trust in all social science, government publications, and private institutions by painting all information and expertise as unreliable.
