Theorizing Psychological Operations Through Norm Entrepreneurship: the Cases of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty

Abstract

This research examines the role of psychological operations as strategic instruments for normative change, with a focus on the Cold War broadcasts of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty. Using a constructivist framework, it identifies three key components shared by psychological operations and the norm change process: the agency of norm entrepreneurs, the use of framing techniques, and the intended normative influence. Through an in-depth analysis of archival documents, this research explores how the radio broadcasts reshaped public perceptions, countered Soviet narratives and promoted democratic norms across the Iron Curtain. The core findings reveal that psychological operations extend beyond simple information dissemination, operating as a dynamic and strategic approach for promoting norms. This approach relies on the employment of tailored framing and coordinated involvement of state and nonstate actors, directed by intelligence agencies to craft and convey messages that foster desired normative shifts. These actors, identified here as norm entrepreneurs, bear responsibility for the planning and execution of psychological operations utilizing strategic communication skills to promote norms that resonate effectively with their target audiences.