Editorial January 21, 1991 Issue

Ending intimidation

Elaine Natale

Not long ago, it would have seemed impossible: the headquarters of the "Stasi"—the dreaded East German secret police—abandoned by its occupants.

Since the dissolving of the East German communist government and the reunification of Germany, the empty headquarters has become another symbol of a failed ideology. Governing citizens through intimidation simply doesn't last.

Various events during the last few decades have been bringing to wider attention sophisticated techniques of mental manipulation and intimidation. "Psychological warfare" is a common term for it. But governments certainly aren't the only participants. Subtle variations appear every day and sometimes are considered necessary means for succeeding in the modern world.

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