It is a jus cogens (generally accepted) principle established in international law that ‘a people‘ have a right to ‘self-determination‘, and it’s surely one liberals and democrats should support. It has been a key factor in creating the stability of the post-war settlement. It is recognised as a principle in the UN charter. Unhelpfully inContinue reading “Self Determination or Self Integrity?”
Author Archives: Bingo Demagogue
The Invisible Anglophobe
In Scotland there are anecdotal reports of Anglophobia, but no official stats; yet the Police collect data that could be used. However
A Lack of Common Census
In 2022 Scotland is holding one of the most controversial censuses since the Romans made Mary travel miles across the desert and give birth in a stable. How and why is it being done this way, and should you fill it in?
Attacking the Media
“Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.” Napoleon Bonaparte The technique we look at in this chapter of the Populist’s Playbook is “Attacking the media”. I like to start out with some definitions and parameters. So, what do we mean by media, and what do we mean by attacks? WhoContinue reading “Attacking the Media”
The Neverendum Story
12 Logical, legal and democratically legitimate arguments against a second independence referendum.
Eurotrash
Unlikely, Unsafe, Unprecedented & Unpopular. “An independent Scotland should consider joining the Euro if it becomes a member of the European Union, according to a leading expert.” Herald 17th Feb Kirsty Hughes proposal is: unlikely, unsafe, unprecedented and unpopular. Kirsty has stated elsewhere an Independent Scotland seeking to join the EU would need to goContinue reading “Eurotrash”
Textbook Disinformation
All Quiet on the SNP Front? In Scotland we see two, literally, textbook disinformation strategies from the Scottish National Party. The textbook in question being “Propaganda & Persuasion – Garth S. Jowett, Victoria O’Donnell”. As a communication process ‘disinformation’ is described by two models developed by Jowett and O’Donnell. The deflective source model, and theContinue reading “Textbook Disinformation”
The Finnish Anchor
How is behavioural science being used in propaganda to influence your ability to estimate accurately? What do the number of calories in an apple have to do with how long an independent Scotland would take to join the EU? – it all depends how you ask the question! Cognitive biases. In many ways we’re simpleContinue reading “The Finnish Anchor”
Folksy Man of the People Posturing
“I wanna live like common people, I wanna do whatever common people do…” Pulp “Common People” The technique we are going to look at in this, the second chapter of the populist’s playbook is “Folksy Man of the People Posturing”. Our examples come from over two thousand years of history and across the political spectrum.Continue reading “Folksy Man of the People Posturing”
Promising the Impossible
One of the 12 tactics of Populists; Promising the Impossible. Why do they do it? How do they get away with it?! And what can we do about it?
The Populist's Playbook 