Propaganda: War Machine

[DISCLAIMER]

*War Machine (2026) spoilers contained herein.

Photo credit, property of Roadshow Films and Netflix, fair use

In Propagandizing to the Lazy, I stated, “I’ve observed a growing trend for just under a decade whereby some people spread misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation while relying on lazy individuals not to question the propaganda.”

This matter involves rhetoric (the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion). For context, the American Psychological Association (APA) thusly defines propaganda:

[A] method of social control that attempts to strengthen or change the beliefs, attitudes, and actions of others by presenting highly biased information or sometimes disinformation. It usually involves an appeal to emotion that is designed to win support for an idea or course of action or to belittle or disparage the ideas or programs of others.

Additionally, one source states, “What sets propaganda apart from other forms of advocacy is the willingness of the propagandist to change people’s understanding through deception and confusion rather than persuasion and understanding.”

A separate source adds, “The term propaganda has acquired a strongly negative connotation by association with its most manipulative and jingoistic examples” and “it became an increasingly prominent, sophisticated, and self-conscious tactic of both government and business.”

Prior to my service in the United States (U.S.) Marine Corps, I wasn’t too familiar with how influential propaganda was. However, during my time as a Marine Security Guard, supporting the Central Intelligence Agency, I learned about the effectiveness of psychological operations.

For example of such rhetoric, I recently watched the science fiction action film War Machine (2026). To the untrained eye, the seemingly innocuous movie is about the U.S. Army Rangers taking on an otherworldly foe. Regarding a summary of the plot, one source states:

The humid tension of a grueling Ranger selection process dissolves into pure survival horror. Recruit 81 carries the crushing weight of a dead brother into the Georgia wilderness, pushing his physical limits until the sky literally breaks open.

This is not a standard training exercise. A towering, mechanical nightmare from another world descends upon the exhausted candidates, turning a test of endurance into a frantic, low-visibility hunt where the military hierarchy shatters against superior, alien technology.

There were some elements from War Machine which stood out to me. First, the main character was referred to as merely a number throughout the film. This speaks to the depersonalization of an individual from the perspective of military leadership. You’re just a number!

Second, the usual elements of identity representation which are influenced by diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility (DEIA) were obvious, arguably adding nothing of significant value. Debatably, female representation likely reinforced chauvinism supposedly challenged by DEIA.

For instance, when attempting to dislodge a vehicle from its stuck position, female recruit 44 positioned herself behind the steering wheel while her male recruit counterparts relied on their muscular strength to free the vehicle. Figuratively, she didn’t pull her weight, though men did!

Nevertheless, personal quibbles aren’t the main topic of this blogpost. What stood out most to me was the rhetorical propaganda of War Machine, as it relates to military missions. Noteworthy, the film was reportedly financed in part by the government of Australia.

Nevertheless, the U.S. government reportedly signed off on the project with former Rangers having worked on the film. According to one source:

When imagining a film produced in collaboration with the US Department of Defense (DoD), most would presumably envision a recruitment video for the armed forces, or another form of military propaganda. In reality, it’s likely that many people have already seen a film that has been vetted and approved by the DoD without even realizing.

Aside from an apparent advertisement for U.S. special operations, War Machine presented a message that I’m not convinced those who created the film intended on depicting. Fortunately, I think critically instead of mindlessly consuming rhetorical propaganda.

In the film, recruit 81 serves in Afghanistan while arriving to help his brother’s broken down convoy. When his brother attempts to convince him that trying out for the Rangers would be ideal for them both, they’re attacked by Taliban insurgents. His brother dies thereafter.

When the brothers served during the Global War on Terrorism, they took part in the foolhardy U.S. envision and occupation of sovereign nations. U.S. troops were the invaders, as our nation wasn’t invited by the governments of Iraq, Afghanistan, or other countries regarding the region.

Although the Taliban and other groups have been labeled as “terrorists” (persons using violence against non-combatants to achieve political or ideological aims), there’s a rational (in accordance with both logic and reason) argument to be made that they were defending their homeland.

Herein, I’m using rational thinking. This isn’t the same thing as rationalization. For clarity, the APA thusly defines the latter:

[A]n ego defense in which apparently logical reasons are given to justify unacceptable behavior that is motivated by unconscious instinctual impulses. In psychoanalytic theory, such behavior is considered to be a defense mechanism.

Examples are “Doesn’t everybody cheat?” or “You have to spank children to toughen them up.” Rationalizations are used to defend against feelings of guilt, maintain self-respect, and protect oneself from criticism.

In psychotherapy, rationalization is considered counterproductive to deep exploration and confrontation of the client’s thoughts and feelings and their effect on behavior.

One source summarizes the distinction between rational thinking and rationalization by stating, “The ‘ize’ turns the adjective ‘rational’ into a verb suggesting deliberate effort, contrivance and artifice. Rationalizing is actively putting a rational gloss on our irrational behavior.”

It’s a matter of irrationality to label inhabitants of a land who defend against unlawful invaders as “terrorists.” While there’s a case to be made regarding such people being called “enemy combatants” and “enemies,” they aren’t morally or ethically “bad” for defending their homes. 

The one caveat I’ll highlight herein relates to the deliberate targeting of civilians (i.e., non-combatants). Personally, there’s no excuse for killing unarmed people who have nothing to do with the conflict regarding warring groups. Thus, I’m not intending to defend terrorists.

In any case, War Machine elucidates the point of my rational critique. When otherworldly invaders to Earth begin a hostile campaign against both combatants and non-combatants alike, the Rangers are depicted as heroic defenders of liberty, freedom, and sovereignty.

Yet, taken to its logical conclusion, Iranians who are currently defending their region against invaders from both the U.S. and Israel are being referred to as “terrorists” regarding the very same actions for which Rangers were lionized in War Machine. That’s propaganda!

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

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