AT A TIME when world attention is focused on new and terrible engines of physical destruction, the United States has allowed its psychological weapons to fall into desuetude. Our propaganda effort during the last war was characterized by improvisation, but in the event of another war it is doubtful whether time for renewed improvisation will be available. An analysis of the various types of wartime propaganda indicates that exhaustive study and preparation are necessary if this arm is to be kept in readiness. If it is to be prepared to seize the psychological offensive, the United States must first adopt a realistic attitude toward political warfare; secondly, it must devote far more energy to planning and preparation in this field than it has done in the past. The author is Professor of Sociology at the New School for Social Research, and former Associate Chief of the Division of Occupied Areas of the Department of State.