If you’ve watched the second season of Star Wars: Andor, you probably noticed something chillingly familiar—the manipulation of public narrative by those in power. The Empire didn’t just crush dissent with blasters and starships; they weaponized propaganda to control the way citizens thought, felt, and responded. Every newsfeed, public announcement, and military broadcast was carefully crafted to frame the Rebellion as a fringe threat—terrorists, criminals, liars. Sound familiar?
The Empire’s Control of the Narrative
Throughout Andor Season 2, the Empire used state-controlled communications to:
Reframe the Rebellion as villains
Control the flow of information
Instill fear and compliance
Distract citizens from the real issues
In the real world, we see this happen all the time—whether through social media manipulation, government-controlled news cycles, or corporate censorship. Propaganda thrives when people have no way to verify information for themselves.
How the Rebellion Fought Back: Multi-Layered Communications
While the Empire broadcasted its lies loud and clear, the Rebellion relied on discreet, multi-layered communications to stay one step ahead. Here’s how:
Coded Messages:
The Rebellion never spoke plainly over open channels. They used prearranged phrases, encrypted transmissions, and non-obvious language that only insiders could decode.Pre-Set Schedules:
Specific times and frequencies were chosen for brief windows of safe communication, minimizing the risk of interception.Face-to-Face Couriers:
Sometimes, the safest method was still sending a trusted person in person, using passwords or challenge phrases to confirm identities.Diverse Tools:
From smuggled tech to repurposed Imperial gear, the Rebellion didn't rely on a single tool or channel. Redundancy was their advantage.
What Preppers Can Learn
This isn’t just a great sci-fi storyline. It’s a masterclass in communications security. Here’s what preppers should take away:
1. Propaganda Will Be Part of Any Crisis
Just like the Empire, authorities or bad actors can flood the airwaves with misinformation. Without alternative information sources, you’re easy to manipulate.
2. Multiple Tools Beat Single Points of Failure
Shortwave Radios bring in long-distance global signals.
Walkie Talkies (FRS/GMRS) provide quick, local check-ins.
Ham Radios allow for regional and even worldwide comms if licensed and trained.
Police Scanners help you monitor real-time emergency services chatter.
3. Preset Messages and Schedules Increase Safety
Using planned times, frequencies, and coded phrases can keep your communications secure when it matters most.
4. Face-to-Face and Low-Tech Options Matter
Don’t underestimate the power of a written note, a runner, or a memorized phrase. High-tech fails. Simple protocols last.
Build Your Rebellion—Build Your Family Comms Plan
Just like the Rebellion in Andor, your family needs a layered communications plan. One that:
Leverages multiple tools
Uses coded or preset messages
Includes redundant methods
Allows you to verify the truth when others control the narrative
Because when the power goes out—or worse, when the truth goes dark—you need more than just hope. You need a plan.
This is a tip of the iceberg post, please don't think it's comprehensive, just written to provoke thoughts!
Check out @preppcomms podcast for more information regarding communications and planning for your family!
*Star Wars is owned by Disney. Prologue: This would have been a fantastic video post; maybe I'll get around to creating that soon.
Cale(b) is an author, speaker, longtime stay at home dad and small business owner. He and his wife of over 25 years, Carla, have 5 beautiful children and 2 Goldendoodles. Caleb is a FM Radio veteran and licensed Amateur Radio Operator (K4CDN). In the days before kids and radio, he spent nearly a decade in the Professional Fire Service as an Engineer and EMT. Caleb’s heart to serve and to teach shines in his work, whether on the page or over the air.
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