HIDAYATULLAH NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY

Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh- 492002

Continuous Internal Assessment (CIA-II)

International Relations

TOPIC: - “GOEBBELS: THE MASTER OF NAZI PROPAGANDA”

ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED TO
Aashutosh Aahire
Assistant Professor

ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED BY
Rajat Bhoyar

Semester III (B.A L.L.B.

Roll No. 53

Enrollment ID- 22/2022/2658

Introduction

"Goebbels: The Master of Nazi Propaganda" is a documentary that explores the life of Joseph
Goebbels, The Legendary Minister of Propaganda of Hitler's Nazi government. This movie
examines how Goebbels influenced Nazi ideology and how effective he was at manipulating
the German people regarding their propaganda. In this documentary, the revival of hate
speech in modern Germany is revealed through drawing comparisons between the past and
present. It demonstrates the ongoing fight against this mentality in Germany. We can
currently observe government action in Russia directed against the Ukrainian government. 1

Additionally, it’s bold point to the danger of the earlier anti-Jewish propaganda in Germany. 2
The Due to the growth of social media, political propaganda is now more widely available
than ever before, which has resulted in higher levels of anxiety, nervousness, and societal
separation.

Germany's economy crashed after the 1919 Treaty of Versailles, leaving it in destruction. For
Germans, it was the worst time in history, and they needed someone they could depend on.
And Hitler appeared in human form and offered a brighter future. Joseph experienced similar
challenges. Considerably during the German crisis and saw Hitler as the nation's saviour then
he joined his party.

The Director of this Documentary’s: Mark Stevenson, Work on various. London-based

British writer, Stevenson's first book, (An Optimist's Tour of the Future), was released in the
United Kingdom.

Writer: Denis Seguin.

Release Date: 14 August 2023, (Duration: 43:24).

Central Theme: - The main theme of the documentary is the examination of Joseph Goebbels'
role as the mastermind behind Nazi propaganda and its lasting impact, both historically and
in contemporary society. It underscores the dangers of propaganda, the revival of hate speech,

1
“Russian Journalist Sentenced in Absentia for Ukraine War Protest” - The Statesman,
https://www.thestatesman.com/world/russian-journalist-sentenced-in-absentia-for-ukraine-war-protest-
1503228816. html (last visited Oct 6, 2023).
2
1“Psychology and Propaganda: An Analysis of Hitler’s Propaganda Minister,” Psychological Review, Vol. 56, No.
4, 2023, at 789
and the need for vigilance against manipulation, emphasizing the enduring relevance of these
issues in the modern world.

Characters: -

 (Joseph Goebbels): The central character of the documentary is Joseph Goebbels,

portrayed as the notorious Minister of Propaganda under Hitler's Nazi regime. The
film delves into his life, his pivotal role in shaping Nazi ideology, and his skill in
manipulating the German populace through propaganda.

 Contemporary Germany: The documentary portrays modern Germany and highlights

the resurgence of hate propaganda. It underscores the ongoing battle against such
ideologies and the potential dangers they pose to society. The film also connects this
resurgence to the earlier anti-Jewish propaganda in Germany.

 Propaganda as a Weapon: Propaganda is presented as a central character in the

documentary. It is depicted as a potent tool used by Goebbels and the Nazi regime to
incite hatred, violence, and atrocities. The documentary explores the enduring
relevance of propaganda in the age of social media, leading to increased fear, anxiety,
and societal division.

Examine Narrative Structure

Beginning with Goebbels' early years and documenting his rise to prominence within the
Nazi party, the documentary follows a historical narrative structure. It offers a thorough
examination of how Goebbels propagated Nazi ideology using media outlets like radio,
newspapers, and movies, as well as his eventual use of these channels to despite resistance
from the Soviets, defeat. Personal ties of the filmmaker to the topic gives the story a
conveyed aspect.
Interviews and Expert Opinions

In an effort to provide a thorough insight of Goebbels' psychology and the effects of his
propaganda, this video combines interviews, historical material, and expert analysis. In order
to emphasize the topic's continued importance, it also features recent interviews about far-
right propaganda in Germany.

However, it fails to include the opposing viewpoint in its interviews and makes a snap
decision without considering the other side. It might feature the interview with attendees of
the Nazi demonstration purposes.

Analysis Themes and Messages

The Documentary examines issues like propaganda's influence, fanaticism, and manipulation.
It forces viewers to face Goebbels, Hitler's chief propagandist, and his use of propaganda to
stir up hatred and violence and commit atrocities. The film's lesson is unmistakable:
propaganda is an effective weapon, and caution is required. The narrator participates in a
counter demonstration in Berlin at (21:10 minutes) in this section against a far-right march
that was driven by hate speech, evoking Joseph Goebbels' methods during the Nazi era.
Police are ready for possible violence as both sides gather, raising tensions. A brawl breaks
out after the far-right marchers encounter opponents.

As both sides assemble, tensions are high, and authorities are ready for any bloodshed. A
fight breaks out when the far-right protesters encounter resistance. Although there are no
significant conflicts, the incident serves as a sharp warning about the influence of propaganda
and the necessity of opposing such ideas. This documentary are intended to educate people
about Joseph Goebbels as a person and the ways in which social media platforms can be
utilized to advance a specific ideology. The general public was the intended audience, and
they were very easily reached.
Reflect on Impact and Relevance

The impact of "Goebbels: The Master of Nazi Propaganda" is long-lasting and inspires
consideration of its ideas. Using the historical episode of the Jewish holocaust genocide 3, it
emphasizes the function of media in forming public opinion and supporting radical beliefs.
Personally, it got me to thinking about using the nation as a shield to further your ideology
and using speech as a psychological weapon. Brainwashing a community is a relatively
simple process.

It is workable. This documentary serves as a reminder of our common responsibilities in a

world of divided language and false information. At 32:20, it is said that the propaganda
efforts of Goebbels were hampered by the horrific losses incurred by German soldiers and
civilians on the Eastern Front. It demonstrates how a group of people can be singled out and
blamed for the downfall of a nation. And proving them anti-national using social media.

Consider the Target Audience:

The target audience for "Goebbels: The Master of Nazi Propaganda" is broad and includes:

General Public the documentary aims to educate and inform the general public about the
historical significance of Joseph Goebbels and the use of propaganda during the Nazi era. It
prompts viewers to reflect on the power of propaganda and its potential impact on society.
Activists & Advocate the documentary may resonate with activists and advocates who are
committed to countering extremist ideologies and hate speech. It emphasizes the importance
of vigilance and standing against such ideologies. Contemporary Relevance their
documentary is also relevant to individuals concerned about contemporary issues, such as the
resurgence of hate speech and propaganda.

3
“The Power of Propaganda in Politics,” The Journal of Political Studies, Vol. 45, No. 2, 2023, at 123
Support Analysis with Evidence

The personal expression on the documentary is interesting, a more thorough investigation of

the psychology that underlies Goebbels' skill in spreading misinformation would be
beneficial. The story would benefit from being given a more comprehensive historical
context, which would include the political and economic elements that contributed to the
emergence of the Nazi government.

Incorporating opposing viewpoints can also aid in bridging the divide by assisting us in
comprehending the opposing viewpoint on the subject. This video draws on historical data,
including archive material, expert interviews, and incidents of hate speech that actually occur
today. The scope of Goebbels' deception is revealed by his own words and deeds. It
highlights the ongoing importance of its topic by relating historical events to the present.

Conclusion

The Documentary are "Goebbels: The Master of Nazi Propaganda" comes to the conclusion
that Goebbels ranks third in Hitler's hierarchy of evil due to his role as the master of Nazi
propaganda, his anti-Semitism, and the impact his messages of hatred and violence had on the
German populace. It is an entertaining and educational documentary. It serves as a reminder
of the danger propaganda poses when used improperly. Anyone who wants to comprehend
the pernicious aspects of propaganda and the necessity of opposing radical ideologies while
simultaneously comprehending the most significant social, political, and global events must
watch this movie.4 It is a call to action to confront prejudice and false information in a world
beset by divisive discourse. Similar actions were taken. A number of governments took
similar actions. To spread its political propaganda, for instance, Hungary acquired control of
both public and private media channels, giving it the impression of legitimacy.

4
“Hungary’s ‘perfect propaganda machine’ attacks women leaders”, OPENDEMOCRACY,
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/hungary-propaganda-orban-gender-disinformation-online-women-
putin-ru ssia/ (last visited Oct 6, 2023).