Anger, Fear, and Propaganda. The Feedback Loop between the Political Discourse of the PP and the FAES on Terrorism in Spain

Abstract

Terrorism constitutes one of the most severe political traumas a society can experience. In a culture permeated by fear and risk, it is not surprising that political entities exploit fear and anger following such events. Think tanks and agenda- -setters, especially those linked to political parties, often reinforce these propagandistic narratives. This study examines whether the threat of terrorism is used as a propagandistic resource in the discourses of the Partido Popular (PP) and the Foundation for Social Studies and Analysis (FAES), aiming to determine if a feedback loop exists between them. Systematic content analysis shows that both organizations use similar propaganda strategies, with evidence of reciprocal influence, including techniques like creating an ‘enemy’ and exploiting the dynamics between the two emotions.