A false flag is an operation or event staged by a group or entity to appear as though it was carried out by someone else, often an enemy or outsider. The purpose is to manipulate perception, justify retaliation, or advance a hidden agenda while concealing the true source. Historically used in military and intelligence contexts, the term comes from ships flying another nation’s flag to deceive enemies. In modern use, false flags can range from staged protests to violent acts blamed on scapegoats to influence public opinion or policy.

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