Restless Souls/Glossary

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Terms explained in a nutshell.

Regime

Term for a government that is very strict and does not shy away from the use of force (violence) and usually uses it.

Propaganda

Intends to manipulate very strongly and typically uses lies.

Narrative

Usually a story of a government or a party or a national-historical story (such as the "American Dream", "from rags to riches"). Ranges from national interpretation/interpretation/"reading" of given facts (versus other national interpretations) to moderately strong propaganda. Narratives are therefore usually in competition with one another.

Focus areas:

• Narratives with a domestic political focus: sense-making / indoctrinating, propagandistic character.
• Narratives with a foreign policy focus: propagandistic character.

Occasionally used diplomatically (appeasingly) when an actor does not want to say propaganda: in the sense of "that is your point of view, but not ours".

Diplomacy

Mostly in a political context. Complex negotiations that require a lot of background knowledge about the other negotiating partner and are usually intended to de-escalate and resolve disputes.

Secret conversations and agreements are possible. Avoiding unwanted (viewed as unhelpful) discussions in societies.

Diplomats keep a close eye on developments in their assigned countries. They can therefore also have an advisory role for their own government.

Diplomatic immunity is intended to support the work of diplomats and protect them from foreign influence.

Ambassadors are the top diplomats and represent their country/head of state.