Yuri Bezmenov: Psychological Warfare Subversion & Control of Western Society (Complete)

Summary

The speaker discusses the concept of subversion as a strategic tool for undermining a nation's values and systems, contrasting it with common espionage stereotypes. They argue that subversion, in Soviet terminology, involves a long-term, aggressive, and destructive process aimed at demoralizing and destabilizing a society. The speaker outlines the stages of subversion, including demoralization, destabilization, crisis, and normalization, illustrating how it can infiltrate and exploit existing societal tensions. They emphasize the need for societies to recognize and resist such tactics, suggesting that a return to spiritual and moral values could be a powerful defense against ideological subversion.

Takeaways

• 😷 The script discusses the concept of 'subversion' as distinct from common espionage activities, emphasizing its focus on the systematic destruction of an enemy's societal structures.
• 🎯 Subversion is not about romanticized spy activities but rather a targeted and aggressive activity aimed at dismantling a nation's cultural, political, and economic systems.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The speaker clarifies that the KGB's primary interest is not just in stealing technological secrets but in engaging in widespread subversive activities that weaken the enemy from within.
• 🔍 The speaker highlights that subversion is a two-way process and can only be successful if the target society is receptive to the influence, which he suggests is the case in the United States.
• 🏛 The script outlines that subversion involves infiltrating and influencing various societal sectors such as religion, education, social life, administration, law enforcement, and the economy.
• 📚 It emphasizes the importance of education in shaping the outlook and ideology of a generation, suggesting that this is a key area for subversive activities.
• 💡 The concept of 'sleeper agents' is introduced, indicating that individuals may be groomed to act as leaders or influencers within a society at a time of strategic importance.
• 💥 The script describes the process of destabilization, where previously accepted institutions and norms are disrupted, leading to societal conflict and unrest.
• 🛑 The potential for crisis is presented as a culmination of destabilization, where society can no longer function productively and looks for a 'savior' figure or external force to intervene.
• 🌐 The speaker suggests that the United States is particularly vulnerable to subversion due to its openness and the receptiveness of its society to external influences.
• 🛡️ The script concludes with the notion that the best defense against subversion is a strong moral and spiritual foundation within society, implying that faith and traditional values can provide resilience against such activities.

Q & A

What is the common misconception about the KGB's objectives according to the speaker?

The common misconception is that the KGB's main objective is to steal technological blueprints like supersonic jets for the Soviet military-industrial complex. However, the speaker clarifies that espionage constitutes only a small fraction of the KGB's activities, with the majority being focused on subversion.

How does the speaker define 'subversion' in the context of the KGB's activities?

The speaker defines 'subversion' as a destructive and aggressive activity aimed at undermining the country, nation, or geographical area of an enemy. It is not associated with the romanticized espionage activities often depicted in media but is a serious and covert effort to weaken societal structures.

What percentage of the KGB's resources are spent on espionage according to the speaker's claims?

The speaker claims that only 10 to 15 percent of the KGB's resources are spent on espionage, with the remaining 85 percent dedicated to subversion.

How does the speaker describe the process of subversion?

The speaker describes subversion as a two-way traffic that requires a responsive target. It involves influencing various societal areas such as religion, education, social life, administration, law enforcement, military, and labor relations to gradually demoralize and destabilize a society.

What is the first stage of subversion called, and how long does it typically take?

The first stage of subversion is called demoralization, and it typically takes about 15 to 20 years to affect a society, which is roughly the time it takes to educate a generation.

According to the speaker, what are the six areas targeted during the demoralization stage of subversion?

The six areas targeted during the demoralization stage are religion, education, social life, administration, law enforcement, and labor relations.

What is the ultimate goal of subversion as described by the speaker?

The ultimate goal of subversion is to alter the perception of reality in the target country to such an extent that the target society no longer perceives the subversive entity as an enemy and may even view its system and ambitions as a desirable alternative, leading to a situation where the enemy can be taken over without a single shot being fired.

What historical figure is credited with formulating the tactics of subversion according to the speaker?

A Chinese philosopher named Sun Tzu, who lived around 3500 BC, is credited with formulating the tactics of subversion.

How does the speaker describe the role of the media in the process of subversion?

The speaker describes the media as a powerful tool in the process of subversion, with the ability to shape public opinion and propagate ideologies that can erode traditional values and societal structures.

What is the speaker's view on the concept of equality as it relates to societal structures?

The speaker argues that the concept of equality, as it is often promoted in democratic societies, is a false ideal that can lead to societal instability. He suggests that it is not possible to legislate equality and that it can lead to societal collapse when forced upon a diverse population.

What does the speaker suggest as a potential solution to counteract the process of subversion?

The speaker suggests that the solution to counteract subversion lies in strengthening societal values, particularly religion, and promoting self-restraint and moral superiority. He emphasizes the importance of faith and the need to prevent the importation of foreign ideologies that can weaken societal structures.