The ‘Disinformation’ Hoax: Betraying American Voters.
In two recent episodes of American Thought Leaders, host Jan Jekielek talks with Jacob Siegel about the dangerous rise of disinformation and its impact on public discourse.
In his book, “A Guide to Understanding the Hoax of the Century: Thirteen ways of looking at disinformation,” Siegel explores how technocratic officials have weaponized disinformation as a tool of deception, damaging the truth and undermining the First Amendment.
Jan Jekielek:
Your “Guide to Understanding the Hoax of the Century” delves into disinformation, censorship, and the First Amendment. Can you explain what the hoax of the century is?
Jacob Siegel:
The hoax is the false narrative that the threat of disinformation justifies a state of emergency, allowing unelected regulators and national security officials to violate the Constitution under the guise of protecting the public from disinformation.
Jan Jekielek:
You define disinformation as both a crime and a disguise. Can you elaborate on this?
Jacob Siegel:
Initially, the threat of disinformation was attributed to Russia during the 2016 elections. However, we now know that these claims were either fabricated or greatly exaggerated. Yet, this narrative expanded to encompass any dissenting voices, including those opposing lockdowns, mandatory vaccination, or the war in Ukraine.
It became a war on truth, a power grab masked as public safety and national security.
Jan Jekielek:
Tell us about your career.
Jacob Siegel:
Prior to my career in journalism, I served as a military intelligence officer in the army. My deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan made me question the official accounts of the wars and the discrepancies I witnessed on the ground. These experiences led me to critically examine our involvement in Afghanistan and ultimately pursue a career in journalism.
When I joined the Daily Beast in 2012, I still believed in the system, but witnessing the frenzy surrounding Donald Trump and the Russian collusion claims made me question the manufactured consensus. It was then that I realized the extent of the deception.
Jan Jekielek:
One striking aspect of “The Hoax of the Century” is that it didn’t happen all at once. Can you explain?
Jacob Siegel:
Indeed, there was a cohesive effort among high-level individuals in the U.S. government, the Democratic Party, and the anti-Trump resistance to discredit Trump and prevent similar insurgencies. Their goal was to maintain their grip on power. They shared cultural assumptions and a common enemy, which fueled their actions.
The counter-disinformation movement, led by the Global Engagement Center in the State Department, labeled itself a “whole of society effort.” Meanwhile, intelligence agencies like the FBI and CIA exploited the Russiagate hoax to expand their undemocratic powers.
The media, universities, and nonprofits played a crucial role in this operation. They favored Hillary Clinton and demonized Donald Trump, swayed by the influx of money into the emerging counter-disinformation complex. Nonprofits and universities defined disinformation, providing expert analysis that the media then propagated.
Jan Jekielek:
You argue that this is a counterinsurgency operation against any deviation from the consensus. How disturbing is this?
Jacob Siegel:
It is deeply unsettling that defenders of democracy can be so hostile to the will of voters that they undermine the legitimacy of a democratically elected president. This information war is both a crime and a disguise. By controlling language and determining what is true or disinformation, they manipulate the meaning of words like democracy to suit their own agenda.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
How has the rise of disinformation impacted public discourse?
St, I focused on national security, intelligence, and disinformation. Over time, I saw how disinformation was being used by those in power to shape narratives and control public opinion. This motivated me to write my book and shed light on the dangerous rise of disinformation.
Jan Jekielek:
How has the rise of disinformation impacted public discourse?
Jacob Siegel:
Disinformation has had a detrimental effect on public discourse. It has created an environment where trust and truth are constantly questioned. People are bombarded with conflicting narratives, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction. This has led to a polarized society, where people are divided based on their beliefs and ideologies.
Furthermore, disinformation has eroded the credibility of traditional media outlets. As false information spreads through social media and alternative news sources, people are less inclined to trust mainstream news. This undermines the role of journalism in holding those in power accountable and ensuring an informed citizenry.
Jan Jekielek:
How can we combat the dangerous rise of disinformation?
Jacob Siegel:
Combatting disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, we need to invest in media literacy education. Teaching people how to critically evaluate information and identify disinformation tactics is essential in today’s digital age.
Secondly, social media platforms and tech companies should take responsibility for the content they promote. Implementing stricter policies against disinformation and promoting verified, trustworthy sources can help curb the spread of false information.
Lastly, individuals must actively seek out diverse perspectives and engage in civil discourse. By exposing ourselves to differing opinions and engaging in respectful debates, we can foster an environment where disinformation is less likely to thrive.
Jan Jekielek:
What can the average person do to protect themselves from falling victim to disinformation?
Jacob Siegel:
There are several steps individuals can take to protect themselves from disinformation. Firstly, verify information through multiple reliable sources before accepting it as true. Fact-checking sites and reputable news outlets can help validate or debunk claims.
Secondly, be cautious of information shared on social media. False narratives often spread rapidly through these platforms. Take the time to investigate the source and fact-check before sharing or believing the information.
Lastly, engage in critical thinking. Consider the motivations behind the information being presented and evaluate if it aligns with credible evidence.
Jan Jekielek:
In conclusion, what do you hope readers take away from your book and these discussions?
Jacob Siegel:
I hope readers understand the pervasive nature of disinformation and its impact on our society. Disinformation is not just a political tool; it is a threat to our democracy, our freedoms, and our ability to engage in meaningful public discourse.
By recognizing the tactics used to spread disinformation, we can become more informed citizens and actively work towards a more truthful and transparent society.
Ultimately, it is our responsibility to protect our First Amendment rights and ensure that disinformation does not undermine the foundations of our democracy.
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