I'm confused by the angle this "institute" seems to have about manipulating social / political discourse. (In that its weird to be providing these communication frameworks at the same time as actively using them for a agenda, but maybe I'm interpreting this incorrectly)
But that aside, the techniques that they discuss look like they could be useful for persuasive communication, including technical and product focused communication, so it is interesting from that perspective.
Well, if you study what makes some people and speech persuasive, you will not be easy to manipulate any more. Perhaps it will also enable you to manipulate those without such knowledge. Like an arms-race situation
Dont forget that some people are excellent manipulators without having to read about it in a book, its like natural talent for them
Thats why we protect minors - they are so inexperienced, so an adult could easilly manipulate them into sex, crime, anything.
But that aside, the techniques that they discuss look like they could be useful for persuasive communication, including technical and product focused communication, so it is interesting from that perspective.