The New York Times’ Long History of Endorsing US-Backed Coups

Manufacturing consent

Studying the Times’ coverage of U.S.-orchestrated coup attempts, it becomes clear that there is a checklist of talking points it employs time and again to justify events.

1   Blame all economic and political problems on the government; ignore the effect of any U.S. sanctions.

2   Constantly present the targeted leader as a tyrannical autocrat crushing dissent, no matter what the reality is.

3   Insist that the leader is actually a Russian plant controlled by the Kremlin.

4   Refrain from using the word “coup”. Prefer instead words like “uprising”, “revolt” or “transition”.

5   Express ridicule at the idea that the U.S. could be involved in the affair.

6   Depict the new U.S.-backed rulers as democratically-minded and downplay any violence they commit in establishing their rule.

7   Blame the deposed leaders for their own overthrow.