How to subvert society without firing a shot? A former KGB agent described this process in 1984. I don't think we're in for anything good
Why Bezmenov's interview is still relevant
In his almost forgotten interview, Yuri Bezmenov briefly but in detail explained how society can be subverted without the use of the army and violent means - only through propaganda and media influence, which will also bring about gradual changes in the political thinking of the population. And although the world has changed quite dramatically since the days of the Soviet Union, the principles of manipulation and information warfare remain virtually the same. Today, however, they are even more effective, thanks to the Internet and social networks, because disinformation and the deliberate manipulation of our attitudes and opinions spread at almost lightning speed.
Bezmenov warned emphatically that if people stop following the facts and stop trusting their own institutions, they will become easy victims of these manipulations. Unfortunately, this is exactly what is being confirmed today - society is becoming increasingly polarised and many people are thus believing obviously stupid and absurd conspiracy theories that are undermining the moral and political stability of many countries around the world.
However, this problem is not just an echo of the Soviet past, but also concerns contemporary Russia, which is repeatedly accused of trying to weaken democratic countries precisely by means of long-running disinformation, or modern hybrid warfare. Security experts from NATO and the European Union regularly warn us that Russian influence campaigns are trying to undermine people's trust in governments, spread lies and support extremist groups and political parties that are (un)consciously playing into the hands of the regime there.
For example, analyses show that Russian propaganda purposefully uses social networks to spread disinformation about political crises, military conflicts or various pandemics. In this way, foreign powers can influence elections, spread distrust in any institution and undermine democracy without the need for direct military intervention. That is, with a few exceptions.
Below, then, is a clear and concise account of ideological subversion as described by Yuri Bezmenov.
Ideological subversion in practice
1. Demoralization (lasts 15-20 years)
"The process of demoralization of society lasts a generation... During this time people are given false values and are discouraged from critical thinking."
This phase consists of a long-term influence on the public not only through the media but also through education and culture. The aim is to weaken people's ability to think critically, or rather not to think about social events at all, through education and various cultural works, from films to bribed actors and celebrities. And it doesn't really matter whether the information is meant to discourage us from something in particular or to disgust us with the subject by its over-saturation in space.
2. Destabilization (lasts 2-5 years)
"This is no longer about persuasion. Now we focus on economics, defense and foreign policy. The goal is chaos."
In this phase, the stability of the state is undermined through economic problems, questioning authority or causing social unrest. Society is so weakened that people lose confidence in the state and seek alternative, often extreme solutions in various associations and new political parties and movements that are at least neutral or downright uncritical of the propagator of this chaos. It seems that we are currently in this phase as well.
3. Crisis (may last only a few weeks)
"The country is in chaos. At this point, the 'saviours' come to offer a solution - but at the expense of freedom."
At this stage, the destabilized society is in a real national crisis - political, economic or security, it doesn't really matter. Most people are lost in the maelstrom of chaos, looking for any easy solution that leads to stability as quickly as possible. It is at this point that new leaders may come in to offer "salvation" but at the same time limit freedoms and strengthen their control over the population. Unfortunately, this description fits more "world leaders" than just Putin. It is therefore always important to remember that there is no savior. And whoever says it, beware of them. There's always a catch.
4. Normalization
"Whatever happens, people will get used to the new system. They will see it as normal."
Eventually, society will simply get used to the new system. People will stop fighting radical change, whatever it is, and accept it as a perfectly normal part of life. In short, classic frogs that you put in cold water, which you gradually heat up until the frogs start to boil. And those who tried to warn them or resist the new system are eventually silenced in any way.
How do we effectively defend ourselves?
Bezmenov emphasized that the defense against this process does not lie in military measures, but in strengthening education and critical thinking. "The only way to defend ourselves is by educating a new generation that will not be easily manipulated." In short, investing in education pays off in any situation, and we can see for ourselves in our own country where the partial disinterest of governments in proper education reform is leading. According to estimates, there are now statistics of people who fully trust the Russian regime, or rather Putin. And it is certainly not just the elderly.
There are several ways to resist manipulation. One can rely on fact-checking organisations that help to expose disinformation, as well as educational programmes that strengthen media literacy. In turn, national security forces are working to monitor malicious influence operations throughout the digital sphere. Even so, the personal approach remains paramount - the ability to distinguish between trustworthy and manipulative sources of information. And this is something that everyone must cultivate for themselves.
