This series examines how emotion and prejudice are used to achieve outcomes in war and peace, in commerce and politics, in crime and charity, for good and evil. Increasingly, we are all subject to influence and persuasion, often very subtle, sometimes quite blatant. It may take the form of everyday advertising or even public relations activities. All of it is aimed at achieving a result, such as increasing business for a company, improving a politician’s popularity, polishing a tarnished image or promoting a good cause. This series will use explanations, case studies and plenty of illustrations to show how it all works and to enable readers to understand how influence and persuasion affect the decisions they make.