In "The Square and the Tower," Niall Ferguson highlights the power of communication technologies in shaping totalitarian regimes. Joseph Goebbels famously called radio a vital tool for propagating the state’s ideology, emphasizing its role in influencing public opinion. This illustrates how such mediums can be exploited for control and manipulation, reflecting the larger theme of power dynamics in society. Ferguson also points out the dual role of invention in governance and surveillance. He suggests that while communication can foster connection, it can also enable intrusive oversight, as implied by Stalin’s view of the telephone as beneficial for eavesdropping. This underscores the complex nature of technological advancements and their impact on power relations, showcasing how they can be wielded both as instruments of domination and as means for social connectivity.

In "The Square and the Tower," Niall Ferguson highlights the power of communication technologies in shaping totalitarian regimes. Joseph Goebbels famously called radio a vital tool for propagating the state’s ideology, emphasizing its role in influencing public opinion. This illustrates how such mediums can be exploited for control and manipulation, reflecting the larger theme of power dynamics in society.

Ferguson also points out the dual role of invention in governance and surveillance. He suggests that while communication can foster connection, it can also enable intrusive oversight, as implied by Stalin’s view of the telephone as beneficial for eavesdropping. This underscores the complex nature of technological advancements and their impact on power relations, showcasing how they can be wielded both as instruments of domination and as means for social connectivity.