Wag the Dog
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
Wag the Dog is a 1997 American political satire black comedy film starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro. Produced and directed by Barry Levinson, the film centers on spin doctor Conrad Brean and Hollywood producer Stanley Motss who fabricate a war in Albania to distract voters from a presidential sex scandal. The screenplay by Hilary Henkin and David Mamet is loosely adapted from Larry Beinh
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Wag the Dog is a 1997 American political satire black comedy film starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro. Produced and directed by Barry Levinson, the film centers on spin doctor Conrad Brean and
Anchor fast decisions
"The tail wagging the dog" means a small event (scandal) inversely controls the big picture: those in power, to divert attention from real issues, create a larger or more eye-catching external event (crisis/war/controversy). Attention is hijacked, the agenda is reset, and the real issue sinks.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/2Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wag_the_Dogverified
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