The Psychology of Tyranny

How Governments Undermine Consent and Legitimacy Through Psychological Manipulation

Introduction

Psychological manipulation refers to the use of tactics that influence, control, or shape individuals’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviours—often without their full awareness or consent. By exploiting core human vulnerabilities—such as the need for survival, security, belonging, and self-esteem, as outlined in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—manip…