Arabic version: معرض يكشف تأثير منشورات الدعاية الحربية الأمريكية

The United States military’s use of propaganda leaflets has spanned over a century, aiming to undermine enemy morale during conflicts. An interactive exhibit titled Office of War Information (OWI) at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn showcases these leaflets, highlighting the messages disseminated in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. According to The Guardian, Khajistan, a digital archive group, has collected hundreds of these leaflets, which were previously unseen by the American public.

Historically, the US military dropped more than 3 million leaflets during World War I and continued this practice in World War II and every major conflict since. However, internal documents, such as a declassified 1971 report from the US Air Force, cast doubt on the effectiveness of these efforts. The report revealed that many leaflets were disregarded by enemy soldiers, who often used them for mundane purposes, such as rolling cigarettes or as toilet paper.

Despite these findings, the military continued its leaflet campaigns. During the Gulf War, it was reported that approximately 44% of the Iraqi army deserted due to psyops messaging, although the authenticity of such claims remains questionable. The exhibit allows visitors to engage with these leaflets through interactive displays, offering translations and historical context.

The OWI exhibit also reflects on the broader implications of war propaganda, with curator Saad Khan emphasizing the importance of highlighting narratives from marginalized communities impacted by conflict. The exhibit aims to create a space for reflection on the often-overlooked consequences of war and the role of propaganda in shaping perceptions.