Intimidation and Coercion Tactics

This cluster centers on discussions of intimidation, fear, threats, and coercion as strategies employed by those in power to silence opposition, enforce compliance, and maintain control in political and social contexts.

➡️ Stable 0.8x Politics & Society
2,322
Comments
19
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#9374
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2008
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2009
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2010
31
2011
34
2012
49
2013
116
2014
62
2015
93
2016
106
2017
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2018
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2019
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2024
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2025
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2026
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Keywords

AI NSA MAGA powerless fear threaten hostage force people power power threat enemies tactic

Sample Comments

andsoitis • Jul 22, 2022 • View on HN

The strategy is one of intimidation.

fgf • May 21, 2010 • View on HN

They are not virtually powerless. They effectively use intimidation to coerce people to not offend them.

DougN7 • Jun 13, 2025 • View on HN

Not if it uses fear and intimidation as a tactic.

elblanco • Aug 6, 2010 • View on HN

I don't think you understand how intimidation tactics work.

bubbasugga • Dec 20, 2025 • View on HN

it is intimidation and it is sadly very effective.

DelightOne • Oct 8, 2025 • View on HN

The threat already silences the opposition. You don't have to use it to silence people.

timthelion • Feb 1, 2017 • View on HN

They probably just want to instill fear. If they are powerfull enough to get away with this, then who would ever oppose them?

msie • Nov 6, 2018 • View on HN

It's actually a good idea if viewed as a coercion tactic.

clarkmoody • Mar 12, 2021 • View on HN

Maybe they're trying to force a violent response from the right, so they can use the power of the state to crush them?

bheadmaster • May 27, 2023 • View on HN

The reason being to scare people into submission.