‘You’re Dead!’: Utilizing aggression as a propaganda technique in Russian political talk shows

This study investigates the strategic use of aggression as propaganda in Russian political talk shows from 2000 to 2023. Employing a mixed-method approach, it analyzes changes in aggression levels, targets, and propagandistic mechanisms. We found no direct correlation between aggression design and its actual level, noting producers’ flexible formats. While pre-2012 aggression served entertainment, it consistently became a propaganda tool thereafter, initially indirect (2012–2014) then direct (2014–2022) against a surrogate ‘enemy’. Paradoxically, aggression declined post-February 2022, shifting toward apathy-fostering and targeting ‘internal enemies’ to establish new normality. The research highlights talk show hosts’ pivotal role in manufacturing and channeling aggression.