Leverage Breeds Distrust

Leverage in authoritarian systems coerces individuals into compliance, often leading them to act against their moral compass to avoid consequences. Once involved, the pressure dissipates, allowing for a facade of informants while fostering an environment of pervasive distrust and fear among the populace. This dynamic ensures that individuals remain cautious and behave as if they are always under scrutiny, effectively serving the goals of the governing system. The implications of such a system can extend beyond national borders, influencing behaviors even when not directly enforced.