How to Look Good in a War: Justifying and Challenging State Violence

How to Look Good in A War examines the methods used to depict, defend and justify the use of state violence. Many books have shown how 'truth is the first casualty of war', whereas this book analyses exactly how pro-war narratives are constructed and normalised.

Brian Rappert looks at government spin during recent wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya where officials manoeuvre between circulating and withholding information. Examining how organised violence is justified, the book considers how ignorance about the operation of war is produced and how concerned individuals and groups can intervene to make a difference.