Subversion Process

 

This image is a diagram titled "The Subversion Process" by Tomas Schuman, outlining a multi-stage process of societal subversion, often attributed to Soviet-era propaganda and psychological warfare tactics. It breaks down the process into three main phases: Demoralization, Destabilization, and Crisis, leading to Normalization.

Let's break down each section:

I. Demoralization (15 to 20 Years)

This is the longest phase, aimed at changing the fundamental values and beliefs of a society. It focuses on undermining key institutions and eroding social cohesion.

• Areas: This section lists various aspects of society targeted for subversion:
  • Ideas: Religion, Education, Media, Culture
  • Structure: Law and Order, Social Relations, Security, Internal Politics, Foreign Relations
  • Life: Family/Society, Health, Race, Population, Labor
• Methods: This column describes the tactics used to demoralize each area:
  • Politicize, Commercialize, Entertainment: Making religion more about politics, money, and entertainment than spirituality.
  • Permissiveness, Relativity: Promoting a lack of standards and a belief that everything is relative, undermining traditional values.
  • Monopolize, Manipulate, Discredit, Non-Issues: Controlling the media, spreading misinformation, focusing on trivial issues to distract from real problems.
  • False Heroes and Role Models: Promoting figures who embody negative values or behaviors.
  • Legislative, Not Moral: Emphasizing legalistic approaches over moral ones, undermining ethical foundations of law.
  • Rights vs. Obligations: Focusing on individual rights while neglecting corresponding responsibilities.
  • Intelligence, Police, Military: Undermining trust in security institutions.
  • Party, Antagonisms: Fostering political polarization and division.
  • SALT...Friends: Suggests focusing on arms control treaties while building relationships with potential adversaries.
  • Break Up: Undermining the traditional family structure.
  • Sports, Medicare, Junk Food: Using these to weaken the population physically and mentally.
  • Lower the Uppers, Bible?: Promoting social leveling and potentially undermining religious authority.
  • Genetics vs. Environment: Suggests focusing on environmental factors to explain social problems rather than individual responsibility.
  • De-Land, Urbanize: Encouraging migration to cities, potentially leading to social isolation.
  • Unions vs. Society: Fostering conflict between labor unions and the broader society.
• Results: This column outlines the intended outcomes of these methods:
  • Death Wish: A sense of hopelessness and self-destructive tendencies.
  • Ignorance: A lack of knowledge and critical thinking skills.
  • Uninformed Myopia: A narrow-minded focus on immediate concerns, neglecting long-term consequences.
  • Addictive Fads, 'Mass': A culture of fleeting trends and conformity.
  • Mistrust 'Justice': Erosion of faith in the legal system.
  • Less Individual Responsibility: A decline in personal accountability.
  • Defenselessness: Weakening of national security.
  • Disunity: Social fragmentation.
  • Isolation: International isolation.
  • No Loyalty (State): Undermining patriotism and loyalty to the nation.
  • Enfeebled Masses: A physically and mentally weakened population.
  • Hatred, Division: Increased social conflict and animosity.
  • Alienation: A sense of disconnection and isolation.
  • Victimization: A culture of blaming external forces for personal problems.

II. Destabilization (2 to 5 Years)

This phase builds on the demoralization by creating chaos and instability.

• Power Struggle: Populism and irresponsible power struggles lead to a "Big Brother" state.
• Economy: Destruction of the bargaining process leads to submission to the "Big Brother."
• Society Fiber, Law: Grassroots participation leads to "Mobocracy" (rule by the mob).
• Foreign: Isolation and belligerence leads to "Encirclement" by enemies.

III. Crisis (2 to 6 Months)

This is the final, rapid phase where the accumulated destabilization leads to a breakdown of society.

IV. Normalization

The final stage, where the subverted society accepts the new reality, often under authoritarian control.

Key Takeaways:

• Long-Term Strategy: The diagram emphasizes the gradual nature of subversion, taking years to achieve its goals.
• Targeting Key Institutions: It highlights the importance of undermining institutions like education, media, and the legal system.
• Psychological Warfare: The methods described focus on manipulating beliefs, values, and emotions.
• Authoritarian Outcome: The ultimate goal is to establish control and reshape society according to the subverter's ideology.

It's important to note:

• This diagram reflects a specific perspective on subversion, often associated with Cold War anxieties and anti-communist sentiment.
• While some of the methods and results described may resonate with certain social trends, it's crucial to analyze them critically and avoid generalizations.
• The diagram can be a valuable tool for understanding potential vulnerabilities within a society, but it's not a predictive model or a blueprint for any specific political agenda.