Corporationalism
subjective creation of national identities and nation-brands
In many cases the problems of creating a meaningful national identity are almost overwhelming, especially for the new countries whose borders have been carved without any regard for tribal, cultural or even geographical factors, but merely as a political compromise between two or more major colonial powers. Most of the new leaders of the 'new nations' understand that a nation is defined more in psychological and emotional terms, than in tangible terms and characteristics. Moreover, such 'new leaders' have made subjective attempts to develop new, or bring back long forgotten identities that will create a feeling of distinctiveness, pride, and unity because they want to show the outside world that they are independent. The past decade represents a turning point in the methods used by various nations to manage their reputations. In increasing numbers, governments now hire public relations firms and apply brand management theories, which were formerly the domain of corporate communications departments within the business sectors. And as a result 'nation branding' has become an application of corporate branding techniques to countries.
Public Opinion Management
Design and Contemporary Propaganda
What is the link between 'design' and 'propaganda'? Tricky question, especially since 'propaganda' is a term that is associated with negative connotations. Although frequently used synonyms for propaganda are 'lies', 'distortion', 'deceit', 'manipulation', 'psychological warfare' and 'brainwashing', those synonyms are more suggestive of techniques of message production rather then the purpose of the process itself, and they are not entirely true.
The War Zone
The strategy behind the success
Design has become a war - a war to win the consumer's loyalty. The competitors have become enemies, and behind every popular brand there are armies of designers, marketing experts, sales persons, scientists and even philosophers. Business today is executed as a military strategy.
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Gjoko Muratovski, a PhD scholar at the University of South Australia, is design and communication strategist with international professional and educational experience whose expertise lies in the areas of strategic brand management, contemporary propaganda and design management.