Media & Manipulation
What was the role of propaganda during World War I?
It was used to influence public opinion and support for the war, often portraying enemies as evil and promoting nationalism.
What strategic purpose do Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) serve for countries like El Salvador?
They provide energy security, geopolitical alliances, and low-emission power.
What movement began in 1964 to protest restrictions on campus political activity?
The Free Speech Movement at UC Berkeley.
What country signed a nuclear SMR deal with the U.S. in 2025?
El Salvador.
What was the Arab Spring and what triggered it?
A wave of pro-democracy protests in the Arab world triggered by economic hardship and authoritarian rule, starting with Tunisia in 2010.
What does "confirmation bias" mean in the context of media consumption?
It refers to the tendency to seek out or interpret information that confirms one’s existing beliefs.
What does the U.S. "One China Policy" mean?
It acknowledges that there is one China but allows the U.S. to maintain unofficial relations with Taiwan.
What is the Supreme Court case Murthy v. Missouri about?
It concerns whether federal officials violated the First Amendment by pressuring social media companies to remove content; the Supreme Court ruled the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue.
What event involved Elon Musk's influence over U.S. space policy in late 2024?
His appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump.
Define the term "rules-based international order".
A system where global affairs are governed by agreed-upon rules and norms to ensure stability and cooperation.
What are two ways media can influence public opinion?
Framing issues in a particular way and choosing which stories to cover or ignore.
What are the concerns surrounding private space exploration companies like SpaceX?
Potential monopolies, lack of regulation, and conflicts of interest with government roles.
What are Max Weber’s three types of political legitimacy?
Traditional, Charismatic, and Rational-Legal.
Which Supreme Court case in 2024 involved social media and the First Amendment?
Murthy v. Missouri.
What is "public diplomacy" as defined by the U.S.?
Efforts to influence foreign publics and promote national interests through culture, media, and outreach.
What is one modern example of media manipulation in politics?
The use of deepfakes or targeted social media ads in election campaigns.
What treaty prohibits national ownership of celestial bodies like the Moon?
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
What is a key argument for not voting in a flawed democratic system?
Voting legitimizes a broken system that offers false choices.
Which two countries’ strategic policies were debated in relation to NATO in 2025?
The U.S. and Ukraine (via Europe’s defense role).
What was the Free Speech Movement and where did it begin?
A student-led protest for political speech rights at UC Berkeley in 1964.
Why is emotional content commonly used in media messaging?
Because it captures attention and is more likely to be shared, increasing reach and impact.
Which 2025 agreement marked a shift in U.S. nuclear diplomacy in Latin America?
The U.S.-El Salvador SMR Agreement.
How does the current U.S. political system challenge democratic legitimacy?
Because it often fails to reflect the will of the people due to structures like the Electoral College.
Which ICC-related issue became relevant due to the Israel-Palestine conflict?
Debates over war crimes and U.S. participation in the ICC.
What does "One Country, Two Systems" refer to in the context of Hong Kong?
A framework allowing Hong Kong to maintain autonomy and freedoms separate from mainland China after 1997.