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An illusionist uses misdirection and sleight of hand to manipulate their
audience to see one thing when in fact they are seeing nothing of the sort.
Magicians perform their misdirection and sleight of hand to baffle and amuse
their audience. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have defined psychological operations
(PSYOPS) as those that: " include psychological warfare and, in
addition, encompass those political, military, economic and ideological actions
planned and conducted to create in neutral or friendly foreign groups the
emotions, attitudes, or behavior to support achievement of national objectives.
" Another proposal " develops the concept of 'strategic
psychological operations' as aimed at influencing and shaping decision-makers'
power to govern or control their followers. " PSYOPS are sleight of mind.
PSYOPS are not designed to baffle and amuse. PSYOPS
are designed to create tension among different groups; enhance dislike and
discord; and erode friendship and harmony. Misdirection and deception are PSYOP
strategies for achieving these objectives. 
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