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
3
2009
12
2010
31
2011
34
2012
49
2013
116
2014
62
2015
93
2016
106
2017
115
2018
116
2019
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2023
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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.