Notes on Subversion and Ideological Warfare

Definition of Subversion

Common Misconception: Traditionally seen as a destructive activity aimed at overthrowing governments, religions, and economies, largely depicted in media involving espionage, violence, and chaos.
Actual Meaning: In Soviet terminology, subversion refers to a systematic and aggressive effort to undermine and destroy an adversarial nation's ability to sustain itself.
- Espionage only part of the picture: Espionage accounts for only 10-15% of KGB activities; about 85% concerns subversion, which is often overt and observable but not classified as a crime by Western legal definitions.

Two-way Traffic: Subversion can only be effective if the target society is receptive to it. An example includes Japan's historically closed society, which could not be easily subverted until it opened itself.
Target Countries: The U.S. is viewed as a receptive target for subversion, while the Soviet Union maintains tight borders and censorship to prevent subversion.

Sun Tzu and Subversion: The philosophy of subversion originated with Sun Tzu in ancient China who suggested that combat should be avoided, and instead, the focus should be on undermining the enemy's society until they do not see you as a threat.
Purpose: The ultimate goal of successful subversion is to shift perception to the point where the adversary's society regards the subverting influence as an acceptable or desirable alternative.

Demoralization (15-20 years)
- Objective: Shape a society’s ideology and values through infiltration of education, religion, social life, law enforcement, and economy.
- Tactics: Use of propaganda, infiltration, and manipulation to undermine fundamental moral values.
- Examples: Undermining religious faith, education standards, social initiatives, the power structure, and labor relations.
Destabilization
- Results in a breakdown of established relationships and organizational structures, resulting in radicalized environments where compromise becomes nearly impossible.
- Focus Areas: Economy degradation, labor relations, and law and order. The segment relating to the media shifts significantly to influence public opinion against established norms.
Crisis
- Characterized by societal collapse where the population looks for a savior, often leading to an increase in demands for radical changes or foreign intervention.
- Potential outcomes include civil war or invasion by foreign powers or domestic unrest.
Normalization
- Post-crisis state where a new regime stabilizes control, often at the expense of freedoms.
- Expectations of Society: At this stage, the needs of the newly established order take precedence, and past revolutionaries are often purged.

Media Influence: The media is often seen as a tool that enforces governmental narratives and influences societal views, potentially steering public opinion in the direction that suits subversive goals.
Systemic Changes: Ongoing changes in educational content, cultural values, and labor relations can cultivate an environment that perpetuates subversion without overt violence.

Cultural Response: Preventing subversion involves returning to foundational religious and moral values that transcend materialism and ideological manipulation.
Active Measures: Society must actively work to prevent foreign ideologies from corrupting structural foundations.
Potential Actions: Restricting propaganda, limiting the influence of destabilizing ideologies, and re-establishing moral guidelines in political and social frameworks.
Individual Responsibility: Encourages individuals to take personal responsibility for their beliefs and actions rather than allowing themselves to be passive recipients of external influences.

Simple Principle: Resisting subversion does not require violence but a return to core values and a refusal to be victims of ideological manipulation.
Faith and Moral Superiority: Cultivating faith and moral integrity is crucial in countering the effects of subversion.