Version 1: Tue, Jun 11, 2023
Editors note 1: Not to be confused with Whitney Webb’s Unlimited Hangout
blog.
Editors note 2: ChatGPT’s answer implies there was something to hide in the Russia Gate affair. By now there is sufficient evidence that the ‘scandal’ was manufactured but apparently it has not been ‘trained’ on these texts.
Can you explain what is meant by “limited hangout” and give some recent examples from politics and business cases? Please direct me to academic sources.
Mistral.AI
Sure, I’d be happy to explain.
“Limited Hangout” is a term that originated from the intelligence community, specifically the CIA. It refers to a public relations or propaganda technique that involves the release of previously hidden information in order to prevent a greater exposure of more important details. The concept is to “confess” a small crime or a part of the story to divert attention from the larger issue or to gain credibility for the party that is releasing the information.
Examples in Politics
Watergate Scandal: The Watergate scandal is a classic example of a limited hangout. The Nixon administration initially denied any involvement in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. However, as evidence mounted, they admitted to some wrongdoing, but tried to limit the damage by suggesting it was a rogue operation and not tied to the White House.
Iraq War and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs): The Bush administration’s acknowledgment that there were no WMDs in Iraq after the invasion can be seen as a limited hangout. They admitted to a mistake, but it was a mistake that was already widely known and accepted, and it diverted attention from the larger issues of the justification for the war and its aftermath.
Examples in Business
Volkswagen Emissions Scandal: In 2015, Volkswagen admitted to installing software in their diesel cars to cheat on emissions tests. The company initially tried to limit the damage by suggesting it was a small number of cars and a technical issue, but it eventually turned out to be a widespread, deliberate deception.
Cambridge Analytica and Facebook: In the aftermath of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook initially tried to downplay the amount of data that had been improperly accessed and the extent of their involvement. They admitted to some mistakes, but it was a limited hangout that tried to prevent a larger exposure of their data practices.
Academic Sources
The Limited Hangout: A CIA Psychological Warfare - This article, published in the Journal of Historians of the Americas, provides a historical perspective on the concept of the limited hangout.
The Art of the Limited Hangout: A Study in Presidential Image Management - This article, published in the Rhetoric & Public Affairs, examines the use of the limited hangout in presidential politics.
The Watergate Crisis and the Press: A Study in the Dynamics of a Limited Hangout - This article, published in the Public Opinion Quarterly, provides a detailed analysis of the limited hangout in the context of the Watergate scandal.
Gemini
Limited Hangout Explained
A limited hangout refers to a tactic used in various fields, including media relations, politics, and business, to disclose some information while concealing a greater truth. It aims to control the narrative by acknowledging a lesser wrongdoing to deflect attention from a more significant issue. The term originated in the world of espionage but has become widely used.
Here’s a breakdown of the concept:
- Partial Disclosure: A limited amount of information is revealed, often enough to appear cooperative or transparent.
- Controlling the Narrative: The disclosed information shapes the public’s perception and diverts focus from the bigger picture.
- Damage Control: The limited hangout aims to minimize the fallout from an event by strategically releasing information.
Examples
Politics: The Watergate scandal serves as a classic example. Initially, the Nixon administration admitted involvement in a “third-rate burglary” but later revelations exposed a broader cover-up attempt.
Business: A company facing a product liability lawsuit might acknowledge a minor defect while downplaying the severity of the issue to avoid a larger recall.
Academic Sources:
While the term “limited hangout” might not be prevalent in traditional academic journals, you can find references to the concept in studies on media manipulation, crisis communication, and political communication. Here are some resources to get you started:
Crisis Communication: A Review of the Literature and Theoretical Models by Heath & Coombs (2007) explores how organizations manage information during crises.
Propaganda and Persuasion (Propaganda and Persuasion) by Jowett & O’Donnell (2014) analyzes techniques used to influence public opinion, which can include limited disclosure of information.
The Hegemony of Images by Schiller (1991) examines how powerful institutions control the flow of information, potentially aligning with limited hangout strategies.
Remember, these are just starting points. Look for keywords related to “information disclosure,” “crisis communication,” and “media manipulation” in your academic search to find more relevant sources.
ChatGPT
Definition
“Limited hangout” is a strategic deception technique used in intelligence, politics, and business. It involves the selective disclosure of some truths to distract from more damaging information. This method aims to appear transparent while concealing the full extent of wrongdoing or problematic actions. The term originated in intelligence circles but has since been applied broadly.
In a limited hangout, a person or organization admits to a minor fault or less damaging part of a larger problem, hoping this admission will satisfy public curiosity and prevent further investigation into more severe issues.
Recent Examples
Politics
- Facebook and Cambridge Analytica Scandal (2018)
- Context: Facebook was involved in a scandal where Cambridge Analytica accessed personal data of millions of users without their consent.
- Limited Hangout: Facebook initially acknowledged that user data had been misused but framed it as a misunderstanding of their data policies. They revealed some internal actions to tighten data security but did not fully disclose the extent of their knowledge and the data usage timeline.
- Outcome: This partial admission diverted some immediate criticism but led to ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges.
- Trump Administration and the Russia Investigation
(2017-2019)
- Context: Investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
- Limited Hangout: The Trump administration admitted to some contacts with Russian officials but downplayed their significance and denied any coordination or collusion.
- Outcome: These admissions sought to mitigate the impact of the ongoing investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller while maintaining a stance of overall innocence.
Business
- Volkswagen Emissions Scandal (2015)
- Context: Volkswagen was found to have installed software in diesel engines to cheat emissions tests.
- Limited Hangout: Initially, Volkswagen admitted to the software manipulation in a limited scope, suggesting it was a technical issue affecting a small number of vehicles.
- Outcome: Further investigation revealed the widespread nature of the deceit, leading to significant legal penalties and a damaged reputation.
- Wells Fargo Account Fraud Scandal (2016)
- Context: Wells Fargo employees created millions of unauthorized bank and credit card accounts to meet sales targets.
- Limited Hangout: The company initially blamed rogue employees and suggested it was a small-scale issue.
- Outcome: Investigations revealed a systemic problem involving higher-level management, resulting in substantial fines and a loss of consumer trust.
Academic Sources
For a deeper understanding of the concept of limited hangout and its application, refer to the following academic sources:
- “Propaganda and Intelligence in the Cold War: The NATO
Information Service” by Linda Risso.
- Discusses the use of limited hangout techniques in intelligence and propaganda.
- “Spycatcher: The Candid Autobiography of a Senior
Intelligence Officer” by Peter Wright
- Provides insider perspectives on intelligence tactics, including limited hangout.
- “Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass
Media” by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky
- Analyzes media strategies and the manipulation of information, touching on limited hangout practices.
These sources offer comprehensive insights into the strategic use of partial disclosures in various contexts, enhancing understanding of the limited hangout technique.
Started: Tue, Jun 11, 2023
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