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I ran across this video of a 1985 interview with Yuri Bezmenov, a former KGB agent who worked in the KGB offices in India. I have to say that I generally don’t believe in grand conspiracy theories lest I start sounding like the disturbed General Ripper in the cult classic film Dr. Strangelove. I believe conspiracy theories are rationalizations people ascribe to when they encounter information they do not understand. However, after listening to this interview and reflecting on world events over the last 23 years I have to give this idea some credence and serious thought.

In the interview, Bezmenov discusses the Soviet system of “ideological subversion”. He defines ideological subversion as “changing the perceptions of reality to such an extent that despite an abundance of information you can not come to any logical conclusions.” Essentially he is saying that it is a system set up by the Soviets to corrupt or overthrow the ideas, doctrines, and opinions of another nation, in this case, the United States.

I want to comment more on this but you should first watch the interview so you can understand what I’m talking about. The video is about 15 minutes long but it’s important to watch if you are interested in the rest of this article. Like Bezmenov says in the video, “If you are not scared by now, nothing can scare you.”

In his interview, Bezmenov talks about the four stages of ideological subversion:

1. Demoralization
2. Destabilization
3. Crisis
4. Normalization

Demoralization

Demoralization is the process of exposing generation after generation of young people to Marxist-Leninist ideas.  This process takes a minimum of 15 to 20 years because that is how long it takes to educate a new generation of Americans.  The idea is to “pump” into the minds of young people Marxist-Leninist ideas that go unchallenged.  This is done by gaining influence over people who shape public opinion like politicians, members of the mass media, and educators.

Destabilization

Destabilization is when Marxist-Leninist ideas start influencing the economy, foreign policy, and defense.  This is a result of individuals coming into power who are tainted with this ideology.  Bezmenov claims this process takes only 2 to 5 years, however I believe this is a very slow process and can take considerably longer.

Crisis

In the crisis stage, events (either natural or man-made) take place that allow for government intervention and eventually government takeover.  We saw in this country after 9/11 the takeover of airport security (TSA) and the creation of new government entities such as the Department of Homeland Security.  After Hurricane Katrina, government was called upon to provide for every need of individuals affected by that tragedy.  Even more recent than that is the current economic crisis involving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac where the proposed solutions call for massive government intervention and a socialization of parts of the banking industry.

Normalization

After crisis comes normalization.  Once the government have taken over, people begin to accept that way of life as normal.  This is also a very slow process which takes years and even generations to complete, but once done it is totally irreversible without a revolution.

So where do we stand today in America?  I believe we are at a point between crisis and normalization.  As events occur, we cycle between the two surrendering liberty on each iteration;  gradually becoming accustomed to the mindset of socialism. Over generations, the ideas, concepts, and beliefs of individuality, liberty, and freedom start to fade and soon fall victim to the *new* normal.

“But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.” — John Adams