spin

Two months of blockades: How do the “propaganda cookbook” and spins work against students?

Each step of the spin made by the Government, with the help of the propaganda machine, during the two months of student blockades was aimed at discrediting students, questioning their motives for the blockades, stifling all critical voices, and demonizing political opponents. In this mission, high-ranking state officials and media used various manipulation mechanisms. They […]

January 30, 2025

When the regulators are raised: How does the propaganda machine “extinguish” the crisis in Serbia?

Although discussions of “colour revolutions” in Serbia surfaced in early November, significant attempts to delegitimize protests became apparent on November 22. Ana Brnabić, Parliament Speaker, then characterized roadblocks due to fatalities in Novi Sad as “well-coordinated from abroad”. A couple days later, the narrative intensified. Media outlets began comparing Serbian protests to those against Russian […]

December 8, 2024

Assassination attempt on Trump and opportunity for spin

Satanisation of freedom-loving leaders On one of the front pages, the statement of the President of Serbia found its place –”The target are freedom-loving leaders around the world, and the reason for the attack on both Trump and Fico were hatred and satanisation in the public”. In the same spin, there were traces […]

July 28, 2024

We need spin-checking in addition to fact-checking

Electoral manipulations. A society divided between the West and Russia. People rooting for a strong leader because “only a firm hand can lead us out of the crisis.” The rule of spin. Institutions and politicians gaslighting citizens and spreading misinformation. All of that is the current picture of spinocracy in Serbia. These multifaceted manipulations sometimes […]

May 16, 2024

The Co-author of “Spin Dictators”: In Many Countries, Spin Dictators Are Reverting to Violent Repression

Leaders in other countries have adopted techniques of spin dictatorship, manipulating the media behind the scenes, taking over the courts, and marginalizing the opposition — all while maintaining a democratic facade. Spin dictatorship is an attractive model of governance for leaders who want to consolidate their power as authoritarian rulers while keeping a modern economy […]

March 21, 2024

Elections and spin (Part 2): Ignoring arguments as a means of “cleansing” elections

“Thus far, these have been the cleanest elections (almost, you can never implement an electoral process to perfection), the cleanest and fairest elections. They know it, and everyone knows it. That’s why I’ve never received so many congratulations from people in the European Union, even though I’ve never been a fan of parliamentary elections”, stated […]

February 20, 2024

Elections and spin (Part 1): When you get caught cheating, shift the blame to autochauvinists

On election day, when reports spread through the media and social networks about organized transport of voters from Bosnia and Herzegovina to vote in the Belgrade elections, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić made a statement. Commenting on a video showing buses in front of the Belgrade “Štark” Arena, Brnabić posted on the social network “X” that […]

February 18, 2024