Analyzing Digital Propaganda on X through Topic Modelling Approach: The Case of Afghanistan

The dissemination of propaganda has become a formidable weapon, with nation-states exploiting social media platforms to engineer narratives favorable to their geopolitical interests. This study delved into Indo-Pakistan states' orchestrated propaganda in the wake of the Taliban's recapture of Afghanistan. This period is marked by a sophisticated blend of propaganda strategies to mold online discourse. Utilizing a dataset derived from X (formerly Twitter), the research examines how Pakistan and India leveraged information warfare to advance their politico-diplomatic narratives, shedding light on the propaganda strategies of such digital warfare and the emergence of narratives and counter-narratives. The findings highlight the instrumental role of propaganda strategies in amplifying political, diplomatic, security, and humanitarian narratives and manipulating public discourse, with distinct tactics and officially approved state maneuvers identified through the topic modeling and analyzing key strategies of propaganda.