How to turn a story into a deadly weapon

The cover of Stories Are Weapons by Annalee Newitz, flanked by book bombs

Psyops are used by the military against foreign enemies, but now these dangerous weapons of demoralization and chaos are being used in culture wars between Americans. In this episode, Annalee tells us about their new book Stories Are Weapons, a history of psychological warfare in the U.S. (yes, it includes scifi!) -- and an exploration of the ways people resist psyops and protect their communities from propaganda. Plus we answer questions from you, our beloved listeners!

Notes, citations, & etc.

Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind by Annalee Newitz

Here’s an article Annalee wrote about Paul Linebarger aka Cordwainer Smith

Here’s Annalee’s article about the history of the idea of brainwashing

Annalee explains how an obsession with science fiction led to researching psyops