How to Win an Information War

The Propagandist Who Outwitted Hitler

By: Peter Pomerantsev

Narrated by: Matthew Waterson

From one of our leading experts on disinformation, this inventive biography of the rogue WWII propagandist Thomas Sefton Delmer confronts hard questions about the nature of information war: what if you can't fight lies with truth? Can a propaganda war ever be won?

In the summer of 1941, Hitler ruled Europe from the Atlantic to the Black Sea. Britain was struggling to combat his powerful propaganda machine, crowing victory and smearing his enemies as liars and manipulators over his frequent radio speeches, blasted out on loudspeakers and into homes. British claims that Hitler was dangerous had little impact against this wave of disinformation.

Except for the broadcasts of someone called Der Chef, a German who questioned Nazi doctrine. He had access to high-ranking German military secrets and spoke of internal rebellion. His listeners included German soldiers and citizens, as well as politicians in Washington DC who were debating getting into the war. And—most importantly—Der Chef was a fiction. He was a character created by the British propagandist Thomas Sefton Delmer, a unique weapon in the war.

Then, as author Peter Pomerantsev seeks to tell Delmer's story, he is called into a wartime propaganda effort of his own: the US response to the invasion of Ukraine. In flashes forward to the present day, Pomerantsev weaves in what he's learning from Delmer as he seeks to fight against Vladimir Putin's tyranny and lies. This book is the story of Delmer and his modern investigator, as they each embark on their own quest to manipulate the passions of supporters and enemies, and to turn the tide of an information war, an extraordinary history that is informing the present before our eyes.

©2024 Peter Pomerantsev (P)2024 PublicAffairs

Interesting story but doesn’t live up to the title

The story of Delmer is fascinating and well told, but it didn’t actually tell how to win an information war. It wasn’t conclusive how much of an effect Delmer’s efforts had on the war.

Also, the parts about Russia and Ukraine were interesting and deserving of a separate book on that subject. But felt out of place in this book.

The attempts to tue in with current American propaganda and conspiracy beliefs seemed partisan. There were appropriate examples of disinformation and conspiracies embraced by Republicans voters and conservative media, eg the stolen 2020 election hoax. But this wasn’t balanced by comparable examples of disproven disinformation and propaganda from the other side, eg Trump Russia collusion hoax,

A charming but responsible take on a key issue

In general biographies of conmen either love them and praise them or hold them in a certain kind of contempt. This book lays out the life of one of history’s greatest propagandists, explicitly tying his tactics to our tremendous need for counter propaganda today, and never lets you forget the costs, ultimately coming down in favor of quite limited imitation being the most that would be desirable today.

That limited imitation is important, though, and Pomerantsev’s affection for his protagonist makes this an emotionally complex and compelling read as a literary manner, while his restraint and lack of hyperbole make it an excellent policy guide for those working in the information space. As you can tell from that last sentence, I’m not a wordsmith, but don’t let my inarticulacy delay your reading this wonderful work!

Astonishing and immediately relevant story

A must read for anyone concerned about the present and future of democratic societies. It also has the virtue of being a true story.

Informative mix of history and current political events.

Filled in a lot of Nazi propaganda issues in I had heard a little about. I was largely unaware of the British counter efforts. Could not listen at my normal 1.2x rate as it sounded like a propaganda broadcast! Well worth listening to. Highly recommended.

Amazing and eye opening blend of historic and contemporay propaganda

Ponerantsev uncovers a history that we didn't know was there and interprets it through a psychology that we can all see in modern social media, politics, and conflict. Well researched, well written, well told.

Timely and instructive

This is a biography more than a how-to but it's interesting. It could use more present day analysis. Some of the people introduced were hard to keep straight but still instructive.

fascinating story

Not only is this book full of incredible insights into propaganda and information warfare, it's also a great story of a fascinating life.

Engaging and informative

Pomerantzev never disappoints! The book skillfully blends historical research on the life of Sefton Delmer, Pomerantsev’s own autobiographical experiences and insights for today’s information battles.

Fantastic couldn't put it down

Fantastic, fierce and informative, I could not put it down once I started. Great research, and ties it in really well with current events. Highly recommend.

Great book- wish it was more prescriptive

This book was a fun read and fascinating on so many historic and present time levels.