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by Nicky Hager
What can Americans concerned about the environment learn about a campaign to promote clearcutting in New Zealand? This book offers a playbook for a PR effort that could take place anywhere -- and demonstrates the lengths logging firms and governments will go to get what they want. It's a blueprint for an end run around democracy in New Zealand, in Europe, in the United States.Most of us have no way of knowing what goes on behind the news: what isn't true, what we are not being told and who is pulling the strings. This book changes that. Using the example of environmental controversy -- in this case logging of West Coast native forests by the New Zealand state-owned Timberlands West Coast -- Nicky Hager and Bob Burton have produced a remarkable expose of how governments and business interests can use public relations to manipulate political debate. The story that emerges, of unscrupulous PR tactics by the international PR firm Shandwick and a casual policy of telling the public what is useful rather than what is true, serves as a warning and an example of the same forces at work in the United States.Using hundreds of pages of internal PR documents that were leaked by insiders offended at what they saw happening, Secrets and Lies provides a unique window on how PR muscle can steamroll public opinion. We see Timberlands systematically attacking critics, arranging the creation of an 'independent' pro-logging community, group, cultivating allies in academia, government and environmental groups, compromising the independence of politicians and journalists and much more -- all for the unworthy cause of keeping native forest logging going after most New Zealanders believed it should end.
10 recommendations similar to Secrets and Lies
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by Nicky Hager
As a direct follow-up by the same author, this book continues the investigation into political manipulation and the inner workings of political parties. It maintains the same rigorous investigative style and focus on transparency and democratic integrity.
by Naomi Klein
This book explores how powerful interests exploit crises to push through unpopular policies, mirroring the themes of corporate and political manipulation found in Secrets and Lies. It offers a global perspective on the systemic use of secrecy and power.
by Jane Mayer
Mayer's investigation into how billionaire networks influence politics through covert funding aligns perfectly with Hager's exposure of PR firms and hidden agendas. It is a masterclass in investigative journalism regarding the subversion of democracy.
by Bastian Obermayer and Frederik Obermaier
This real-life account of the biggest leak in history details the global network of offshore tax havens and shell companies. It captures the same sense of uncovering hidden truths and the complex web of corporate and political deception.
by Naomi Klein
Focusing on the power of branding and corporate influence, this book resonates with the sections of Secrets and Lies that deal with public relations and the manipulation of public perception. It provides a foundational look at corporate social control.
by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway
This book exposes how a small group of scientists and advisors with deep connections in politics and industry ran effective campaigns to mislead the public. It mirrors Hager's focus on the deliberate manufacturing of public opinion.
by Nicky Hager
Another essential read from Hager, this book exposes the use of 'black ops' and character assassination in modern political campaigning. It shares the same investigative DNA and commitment to exposing the underbelly of political power.
While focusing on technology, this book explores the same core themes of hidden manipulation and the erosion of democracy by powerful entities. It provides a modern, systemic look at the 'secrets and lies' of the digital age.
by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky
A classic in the study of media manipulation, this book outlines the 'propaganda model' that explains how public opinion is shaped. It provides the theoretical framework for the practical examples of PR manipulation seen in Hager's work.
by Phil Miller
This book investigates the secret vetting of workers in the UK construction industry, showcasing the real-world consequences of corporate surveillance and blacklisting. It echoes the themes of corporate overreach and the fight for transparency.
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