It's an East German (Communist) strategy. Why wouldn't it be in operation today?
During the Cold War, East Germany‘s Ministry for State Security, commonly known as the Stasi, perfected a clandestine and insidious tactic known as Zersetzung. This psychological warfare technique, aimed at undermining perceived threats to the state, left a lasting impact on individuals and society as a whole.
Surveillance
Targets were subjected to constant surveillance, both physical and electronic, to gather information about their activities, relationships, and vulnerabilities.
Psychological Warfare
The Stasi sought to induce paranoia, anxiety, and isolation in their targets by employing tactics such as spreading rumors, gaslighting, and creating a sense of omnipresence.
Interference with Personal Affairs
The Stasi would interfere with various aspects of their targets’ personal lives, such as tampering with mail, damaging property, or disrupting relationships, to sow chaos and undermine their stability.
Isolation and Alienation
Targets would often find themselves isolated from their support networks as the Stasi worked to undermine their relationships with friends, family, and colleagues, leaving them feeling alienated and vulnerable.
Zersetzung was a highly effective tool for the Stasi, as it allowed them to neutralize perceived threats without attracting widespread attention or condemnation. Sometimes it was easier to apply this “quiet” approach and destabilize the victim, than using something that will internationally harm the state’s reputation. Its insidious nature made it difficult for targets to identify and counteract, leading to widespread fear and mistrust within East German society.