Spinning the World

‘Andrew Johnstone has made the case that the history of twentieth century US foreign relations is inextricable from public relations. As much as the ‘mad man’ in the White House he’s shown we should investigate the ‘Mad Men’ who, for the right price, nimbly manufactured perceptions of world issues.’ David Ekbladh, author of Plowshares into Swords: Weaponized Knowledge, Liberal Order, and the League of Nations‘Andrew Johnstone’s magnificent Spinning the World fills a gaping hole in the literature in providing us with the first study of the impact of PR executives and their industry upon the making of US foreign relations.’ Justin Hart, author of Empire of Ideas: The Origins of Public Diplomacy and the Transformation of US Foreign Policy‘In this eye-opening book, Johnstone exposes the staggering clout that public relations firms wielded over 20th century US foreign policy, highlighting their undemocratic yet invisible influence. Given the rising threat of disinformation today, this troubling history could not be timelier.’ Julia F. Irwin, author of Catastrophic Diplomacy: US Foreign Assistance in the American Century‘Spinning the World explores the history of both partnerships and tensions between US foreign policy and America’s pioneering public relations industry. Readers will applaud Johnstone’s fresh historical material, provocative insights, and clear writing. It is a must-read for PR professionals, foreign policy experts, and all people concerned with how the powers of hidden persuaders intersect with democratic values.’ Emily S. Rosenberg, editor of A World Connecting: 1870–1945

Andrew Johnstone is Associate Professor of History at the University of Leicester. He is the author and editor of five books, including Against Immediate Evil and US Presidential Elections and Foreign Policy (with Andrew Priest).