«الشيطنة» و«التلميع».. !

Like all sciences, the fields of politics and media are filled with many terms that describe phenomena or specific events, whether they are positive or negative. Among these terms are the concepts of "Satanization" and "Praising," which both fields share, positively and negatively. "Satanization" (Satanize) means to invoke a curse and anger upon a person or a specific phenomenon, whether the description is true (scientific) or false (slander). As for "Praising" (Praising), it means to bestow praise and reverence upon a person or a specific phenomenon, whether the approval or praise is accurate (scientific) and deserved, or false (slander) and claimed.

The term Satanization is used as a political-media tool to belittle the described, whether truthfully or falsely. Here, politics directs the media to Satanize a person or a specific phenomenon. Similarly, praising is often directed by politics in the media. An media campaign is launched through Satanization or praising. Many people often believe it due to its repetition. It becomes as if it were facts, beyond reproach, even though some of it is merely lies and false claims.

"Politics" is defined as the goals that one party seeks to achieve towards another party, and the means that are followed to achieve these goals. In the practice of politics, we often witness many lies, including praising and Satanization, whether they are true or not.

‭***‬

The United States is considered one of the most frequent users of the terms Satanization and praising in its political discourse. Despite the existence of independent American media, its voice often does not rise above official voices. The examples of what this policy practices are clear. For instance, in the Arab region, Washington's efforts to improve Israel's image and its strictness in criticizing its opponents or those condemning its practices stand out, and these classifications are often subject to political considerations more than objective facts.

Globally, this policy is reflected in dealings with countries like Russia, China, and North Korea, where the negative aspects of its adversaries are emphasized, in contrast to highlighting the positive aspects of the countries that support its policies. In fact, all countries use Satanization and praising, whether justly or unjustly. This leads us to summarize the relationship between the processes of Satanization and praising and diplomacy.

‭***‬

There are many "means" that can be used to achieve the foreign policy goals of a state. The most important "means" that are usually followed to achieve the "goals" of a state's foreign policy—any state—are (in descending order): diplomacy, media, economic tools, and the military tool (armed forces). We summarize below some of the most important features of each of these "means":

- Diplomacy: It is the process of (peaceful) communication that takes place between the officials of different states, which includes the transfer of viewpoints and negotiation to achieve the foreign policy goals of those states. It is now considered the most important means, by all accounts, and the most necessary and accepted, to the extent that the term "diplomacy" has become synonymous with the word "policy"… Diplomacy does not usually stop… even in cases where a state resorts to other means, including the military tool (armed conflicts and wars).

‭***‬

- The media tool: This refers to the totality of media means owned by the state, in general, and the extent of their effectiveness and efficiency in serving the political goals of the state, as well as the extent to which those means influence the formulation and implementation of foreign policy. The media is the primary observer of facts and events… and the analyst that the public relies on to analyze and interpret those events. In countries with democratic governments, most media outlets serve as a primary channel for expressing the feelings and attitudes of public opinion in the state. This media can also be referred to as the "psychological means"… because it addresses the "minds and emotions" of individuals and groups… aiming to convince them of a particular viewpoint or viewpoints. The media tool includes the processes of Satanization and praising.

‭***‬

- Economic tools: This refers to the use and direction of various economic resources of states (negatively and positively) to achieve foreign policy goals. Among the most prominent forms of this means are various economic, technical, and financial aids, as well as economic boycotts, grants, and economic sanctions and blockades… etc.

- The military tool: This means a government resorting to the use (or the threat of using) its armed land, naval, and air forces… to achieve some of its foreign policy goals. States usually resort to this tool (war) when the other means have been exhausted, and their failure has been proven, or their ineffectiveness in achieving what the state aims for has been established. States typically resort to diplomacy, then media, then economic tools, and finally war.

The effectiveness of each of these means depends on their strength, credibility, viability, and impact. Additionally, their correct use to achieve the supreme interests of the state's people is one of the most important factors that ensure the protection of those interests and concerns, and the opposite is also true.

‭***‬

It is worth mentioning here that the processes of Satanization and praising are also used by individuals in the midst of each individual's efforts to achieve their interests, and what they encounter from others, whether support or opposition. This confirms that humans manifest in several forms, including the individual and the state.