The Sceptic Isle

Professor Steven Casey examines how propaganda, politics and military history shaped British public opinion during the Second World War.

How did the British government attempt to win the hearts and minds of its citizens during the Second World War?

At a time of national crisis, the British public were often deeply sceptical towards the credibility of state communications, war news and the nation’s political leaders. In this talk, Professor Steven Casey explores the overlapping efforts of government, media and the armed forces to communicate events from the front line to the people at home.

Drawing on research for his latest book, ‘The Sceptic Isle’, Professor Casey will demonstrate how politicians and reporters responded to the disconnect between government and the governed. He will offer new insights into the uses, abuses and miscalculations of propaganda and public relations in Britain during the Second World War.

About the speaker

Professor Steven Casey has been teaching International History at LSE since 2001. He is the author of several award-winning books, including ‘Cautious Crusade’ (2001), ‘Selling the Korean War’ (2008), winner of the Truman Prize, and ‘When Soldiers Fall’ (2013).