To understand why leaving X (or Twitter) is vital to getting on a proper footing as a nation going forward you have to grasp what is most likely occurring on the platform. It’s not a matter of it being a Left-leaning or Right-leaning space it is by design meant to divide through the same means that Russian subversion intends to accomplish the goal of neutralizing a society to oppose their pursuits. Putting a premium on disgusting and combative behavior while suppressing decency and logic. Using X as a delivery system gives a near certainty that the disinformation will infect as many people as possible having an army of AI bots unknowingly trained by its users. For the most offensive bots I look to the whitelist of horrible people allowed to violate all terms of service preventing them from bans due to socially unacceptable behavior. It would create more of some of the worst people you would ever have the unfortunate opportunity to deal with outnumbering groups of people that don’t share that world view. This type of operation far outreaches just social media but if anyone thinks they are going to battle it out on this platform, and they will somehow be the voice of reason. You will lose. It is created because of you, not for you. This is a compromised platform falsely advocating free speech to divide, demoralize, and conquer powered by Russian espionage operation that predates most of the people on social media. Below I am laying out the methods explained by a former KGB agent with video:
Background on Yuri Bezmenov
Yuri Alexandrovich Bezmenov, born on December 11, 1939, in Mytishchi, near Moscow, was a Soviet journalist and KGB defector who became known for his insights into Soviet psychological warfare and subversion tactics. After working as a translator and public relations officer in India, he grew disillusioned with the Soviet regime’s oppressive practices against dissidents. In 1970, he defected to the West, ultimately settling in Canada. His experiences led him to become an outspoken critic of Marxism and Soviet policies.
The Concept of Ideological Subversion
Bezmenov is particularly noted for his discussions on “ideological subversion,” a term he used to describe a long-term strategy employed by the Soviet Union to undermine Western societies from within. He articulated this concept during interviews in the 1980s, most notably in a conversation with G. Edward Griffin in 1984. According to Bezmenov, ideological subversion is not about traditional espionage but rather involves influencing public perception and opinion over time.
Stages of Subversion
Bezmenov outlined four key stages of ideological subversion:
Demoralization: This initial stage can take about 15-20 years and aims to erode the moral foundations of society. It involves indoctrinating individuals with ideas that contradict their cultural values and beliefs. Bezmenov argued that this stage is achieved through education systems, media influence, and cultural institutions.
Destabilization: Following demoralization, this phase focuses on destabilizing the economy, political system, and social structures of a nation. This can involve creating unrest or dissatisfaction among various groups within society.
Crisis: The third stage occurs when a significant crisis is engineered or exacerbated by external influences. This could manifest as political upheaval or social chaos that undermines trust in government institutions.
Normalization: In this final stage, the new order is established under the guise of restoring stability. The changes made during the previous stages are solidified as normalcy returns but often at the cost of freedoms previously enjoyed by citizens.
Bezmenov emphasized that these processes occur gradually and often go unnoticed by the general populace until it is too late.
Methods Used for Subversion
Bezmenov described various methods employed by Soviet operatives to achieve these goals:
Media Manipulation: Control over media narratives allows for shaping public opinion and spreading disinformation.
Education System Influence: By infiltrating educational institutions, ideologies contrary to traditional values can be propagated among youth.
Cultural Propaganda: Promoting art, literature, and entertainment that align with subversive goals helps reshape societal norms.
Psychological Warfare: Utilizing psychological tactics to instill fear or confusion among populations can weaken resistance against subversive actions.
Bezmenov’s warnings about these tactics have been revisited in contemporary discussions regarding information warfare and influence operations conducted by various state actors today.
In summary, Yuri Bezmenov’s insights into Russian subversion highlight a systematic approach aimed at undermining Western societies through psychological manipulation rather than direct military confrontation.