Yes, there have been instances where propaganda either backfired or failed to achieve its desired outcome. This typically happened when the chasm between the propagated narrative and observable reality became too vast. For example, if a regime constantly touted economic successes, but the general populace faced food shortages or unemployment, the propaganda's credibility eroded. Additionally, overexposure or overtly blatant propaganda could lead to public cynicism. People could see through the manipulation and become distrustful of official narratives. However, recognising these pitfalls, many authoritarian states combined propaganda with force or reforms to ensure compliance and belief in their narratives.

Youth organisations in authoritarian states were pivotal as they aimed to indoctrinate the next generation from a young age. Children, being impressionable, were easier to mould ideologically. Through activities, songs, camps, and ceremonies, these organisations instilled loyalty to the state and its leaders. They were taught state-approved versions of history, imbued with a sense of national pride, and trained to view outsiders or dissenters with suspicion. By shaping the beliefs and values of the youth, authoritarian states ensured that their narratives and ideologies would continue into the future, creating a populace that not only accepted but actively propagated the state's propaganda.

Cinema and radio emerged as powerful propaganda tools in the 20th century due to their wide reach and emotional impact. Films, often state-sponsored or censored, presented narratives that extolled the virtues of the regime, demonised enemies, or rewrote history to suit the authoritarian narrative. Iconic visuals, coupled with evocative music, left indelible impressions on audiences. Radio, being a household item, was a direct channel to the masses. State-controlled broadcasts would provide 'news', often skewed or entirely fabricated, while patriotic songs and speeches kept the populace in line with the state's ideology. Both mediums effectively bypassed literacy barriers, making their messages accessible to all.

With modern technology, particularly the internet and social media, propaganda has become more sophisticated and pervasive. Authoritarian states have utilised these platforms to spread their narratives rapidly, reaching both domestic and international audiences. Digital manipulation, such as deepfakes or altered images, can distort realities, while algorithms can amplify state-approved content, making it more prevalent in users' feeds. Moreover, cyber units or "troll farms" are employed to counteract dissenting opinions online, spreading disinformation or harassing critics. This digital era has provided authoritarian regimes with new tools to mould perception, making it increasingly difficult to discern fact from state-crafted fiction.

Authoritarian states, recognising the potential challenge posed by foreign media, often employed strict controls to prevent alternative narratives from reaching their populace. Tactics included jamming foreign radio broadcasts, censoring foreign publications, or outright bans on certain international media outlets. In the modern digital age, this evolved into internet censorship, with firewalls blocking international news sites or platforms deemed 'harmful' to the state's narrative. Moreover, foreign journalists within these countries faced restrictions, intimidation, or even expulsion if their reporting contradicted the official state version. By controlling the influx of external information, authoritarian regimes aimed to maintain their monopoly on 'truth'.