single word requests - Is there a noun that expresses the act of presenting false appearances?


I want to write about the Chinese Government during the Cultural Revolution and argue that whilst they created the appearance of more political openness, it was merely a façade.


Is there a word that expresses the inauthenticity of their actions? Like the 'falseness' of their policies but referring specifically to the fact that they pretend to be something they're not and that they hide something more sinister.



Answer




the appearance of more political openness, it was merely a façade. Is there a word that expresses the inauthenticity of ...



You can describe that as




  • they were only cosmetic changes ,


    which means 'superficial' , as you say 'like a façade, not substantive, or, a bit stronger, you can say that those openings were unreal, fictitious,




  • those changes were only make-believe




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