Governments sometimes say there is a big bad enemy to keep people together. Think of it like telling kids at school that there’s a monster in the hallway, they’ll all stand up and fight it, even if there isn’t one. If people believe the fake enemy is real, they will work harder for their government. It helps leaders feel powerful and keeps everyone distracted from problems inside their own country.
Examples
- The leader of the country claims that aliens are coming to destroy Earth, and everyone believes him.
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See also
- Why Do Governments Declare War?
- Why Do Governments Choose to War?
- Why Do Countries Suddenly Switch Sides in Wars?
- Why Do Countries Choose to Fight Instead of Talk?
- Why Do Politicians Always Agree on the Big Picture But Disagree on the Details?